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Phil Murphy

Politics
These Two New Jersey Counties Flipped From Red To Blue In 2020 These Two New Jersey Counties Flipped From Red To Blue In 2020
These Two New Jersey Counties Flipped From Red To Blue In 2020 As President Joe Biden cruised to victory in New Jersey in the 2020 presidential election, he got some help from two counties that went his way after voting for former President Donald Trump in 2016: Morris and Gloucester. Morris County went to Biden, 51.14% to 46.90%, 153,881 votes to 141,134 votes. It was a remarkable turnaround for a county that hadn't voted Democrat at the presidential level since Lyndon Johnson defeated Barry Goldwater in 1964.  In 2016, Morris County voted for Trump, who defeated Clinton 126,071 votes to 115,249 votes, 49.72% to 45.46%. In 2020, Sen. Cory Booker…

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by Sam Barron
Politics
Meet Andy Kim, Curtis Bashaw: NJ Politicians Vying For Menendez's Former Seat Meet Andy Kim, Curtis Bashaw: NJ Politicians Vying For Menendez's Former Seat
Meet Andy Kim, Curtis Bashaw: NJ Politicians Vying For Menendez's Former Seat Rep. Andy Kim, D-NJ and Curtis Bashaw, a business owner, are running for Sen. Bob Menendez's old senate seat after the disgraced senator resigned following his conviction on felony corruption charges. Here's a little bit about the two candidates: Kim has represented New Jersey's 3rd congressional district since 2019. He jumped into the race upon Menendez's indictment and fended off a challenge from First Lady Tammy Murphy, whose campaign struggled, forcing her to drop out before the primary. Kim's lasting impact in the race may be upending New Jersey's controversial "line" system. A j…

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by Sam Barron
Schools
Camden Schools Superintendent Calls On Board President To Quit In Wake Of Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Camden Schools Superintendent Calls On Board President To Quit In Wake Of Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Camden Schools Superintendent Calls On Board President To Quit In Wake Of Sexual Abuse Lawsuit The state-appointed superintendent for the Camden City School District is calling for the resignation of the advisory school board president amid sexual abuse allegations. Camden Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs, in a letter to the community, wrote: "In order to allow our community to heal and refocus on what truly matters—the education and future of our students— it would be in the best interest of the state-operated district of Camden City for Advisory Board President Wasim Muhammad to voluntarily relinquish his seat." "We are at the beginning of a new school year—a time that s…

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Mugshot Released: Suspected NJ Drunk Driver Who Killed Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau Mugshot Released: Suspected NJ Drunk Driver Who Killed Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau
Mugshot Released: Suspected NJ Drunk Driver Who Killed Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau The mugshot was released for the Woodstown man accused of driving drunk, killing an NHL star and his brother. The Salem County Correctional Facility released the mugshot of 43-year-old Sean Higgins to Newsweek. Higgins was charged with two counts of death by auto in the Thursday, Aug. 29 crash that killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Johnny, 31, played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames. Matthew, 29, was a boys hockey head coach at the brothers' alma mater of Gloucester Catholic High School. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among countless ho…

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by Chris Spiker
News
19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says 19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says
19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says Nineteen retailers across New Jersey are facing $4,500 after an investigation found they'd been selling flavored vape products banned in the Garden State, the NJ Attorney General's Office said. All 19 stores were issued a Notice of Violation after they were found to have violated the state's consumer protection laws, AG Matthew Platkin said. The enforcement actions are the result of a Division investigation into unlawful sales of flavored electronic smoking devices and products, including mint, candy, fruit, and chocolate flavors, Platkin said.  The Division launched its investigation…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Murphy Waives NJ Transit Fares: Here's What To Know Murphy Waives NJ Transit Fares: Here's What To Know
Murphy Waives NJ Transit Fares: Here's What To Know Want to take NJ Transit for free? Now is your chance. Gov. Phil Murphy announced a transit fare holiday for all customers from Monday, Aug. 26 through Monday, Sept. 2.   During this period, fares will be waived for all modes of transportation. Murphy said this is meant as a "thank you" to riders, who have experienced numerous disruptions this summer.  "As we work diligently with Amtrak to investigate and address the issues that have occurred this summer, especially on the Northeast Corridor, we hope this fare holiday offers our commuters some relief," Murphy said.  "W…

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by Sam Barron
Politics
Gov. Murphy Picks Menendez Replacement: Report Gov. Murphy Picks Menendez Replacement: Report
Gov. Murphy Picks Menendez Replacement: Report George Helmy is expected to be named New Jersey's next senator, replacing Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ, Politico reported. Gov. Phil Murphy will be appointing his former chief of staff, a Jersey City native, to serve as a temporary replacement for Menendez, who resigned after being convicted of numerous felonies in a federal corruption trial.  Helmy previously served as Murphy's chief of staff and was also a former aide to New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. After leaving the governor's office in 2023, Helmy joined RWJBarnabas Health as an executive, according to his Linkedin. Menendez's resig…

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by Sam Barron
News
IRS Announces 'Revolutionary' Electronic Tax Filing System For NJ Residents IRS Announces 'Revolutionary' Electronic Tax Filing System For NJ Residents
IRS Announces 'Revolutionary' Electronic Tax Filing System For NJ Residents The IRS and New Jersey are offering a new free electronic way to file taxes. The program, called IRS Direct File, was tested in 12 states including New Jersey during the 2023 tax filing season. Eligible taxpayers will be able to use Direct File, which is offered in English and Spanish, for their 2024 tax returns. The services has a deadline of April 15, 2025. After Garden Staters complete their federal returns with Direct File, a link will direct them to New Jersey’s separate free filing system for their state returns. During the pilot program last year, about 140,000 taxpayers claimed mo…

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by Jon Craig
Politics
NJ First Lady Murphy Won't Accept Senate Appointment NJ First Lady Murphy Won't Accept Senate Appointment
NJ First Lady Murphy Won't Accept Senate Appointment As speculation swirls over who Gov. Phil Murphy will pick to replace Sen. Bob Menendez, who announced his resignation, one prominent Garden Stater is already saying "no thanks." Tammy Murphy, the wife of the governor who ended her Senate campaign earlier this year, said on Tuesday, July 23, she would not accept the temporary appointment. "I am completely focused on the critical work of boosting infant and maternal health, combating climate change, and uplifting the voices of those in greatest need," New Jersey's First Lady said. "I am confident the Governor will appoint a&nbs…

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by Sam Barron
Politics
Sen. Bob Menendez Announces Resignation Sen. Bob Menendez Announces Resignation
Sen. Bob Menendez Announces Resignation New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez submitted his letter of resignation on Tuesday, July 23. Menendez's planned resignation, set for Aug. 20, comes one week after his conviction on felony corruption charges.  A jury found the Democrat guilty on all 16 counts after prosecutors accused him of giving secret information and military aid to Egypt in exchange for various favors, according to a release by the US Department of Justice.  Calls for Menendez's resignation had reached a fever pitch following his conviction and the Senate Ethics Committee was preparing an investigation that could…

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by Sam Barron
News
Atlantic City's 2024 Airshow Canceled After 'Major Act' Withdraws From Event Atlantic City's 2024 Airshow Canceled After 'Major Act' Withdraws From Event
Atlantic City's 2024 Airshow Canceled After 'Major Act' Withdraws From Event Atlantic City's popular air show has been scrubbed for 2024 after a last-minute effort seemingly saved the financially troubled summer spectacle, officials said. The 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow has been canceled, according to the event website's homepage on Wednesday, July 10. A joint statement was posted by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), and Visit Atlantic City. The free event, which attracts about 500,000 visitors, was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13, and Wednesday, Aug. 14. "We regret …

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by Chris Spiker
News
Biden Raises $33M Since Debate, Admits To 'Poor Performance' At Murphy's Mansion Biden Raises $33M Since Debate, Admits To 'Poor Performance' At Murphy's Mansion
Biden Raises $33M Since Debate, Admits To 'Poor Performance' At Murphy's Mansion In a fundraising blitz, President Joe Biden's campaign for re-election has raised $33 million since last Thursday's debate, the bulk of that in New Jersey and New York, a spokesman said on Monday, July 1. That total includes "grassroots" money from small donors, a campaign aide said. Biden, 81, a Democrat, is being challenged by former President Donald Trump, 78, a Republican. Biden attended two fund-raising events in East Hampton, NY, on Saturday afternoon followed by a Saturday evening fund-raiser hosted by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife, Tammy, in Middletown. “I didn’t have a…

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by Jon Craig
News
Biden Is NJ-Bound: President Headed To Murphy's Mansion This Weekend After Weak Debate Biden Is NJ-Bound: President Headed To Murphy's Mansion This Weekend After Weak Debate
Biden Is Nj-bound: President Headed To Murphy's Mansion This Weekend After Weak Debate President Joe Biden is visiting New Jersey this weekend for a private campaign fundraiser at Gov. Phil Murphy’s mansion in Middletown, a source confirmed. The Saturday night event at Murphy and First Lady Tammy’s home is on despite a less than stellar performance in his debate with former Republican President Donald Trump on Thursday, June 27. The press will not be invited. Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself. Between someone who tell…

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by Jon Craig
News
South Jersey Air Force Vet Named NJ Adjutant General, 1st Black Woman Heading National Guard South Jersey Air Force Vet Named NJ Adjutant General, 1st Black Woman Heading National Guard
South Jersey Air Force Vet Named NJ Adjutant General, 1st Black Woman Heading National Guard An Air Force veteran from Burlington County has been nominated as the next New Jersey Adjutant General, Gov. Phil Murphy announced. Effective Monday, July 1, Colonel Yvonne L. Mays of Lumberton Township also would become the state's first black woman in the state's history to head up the New Jersey National Guard. The opening as acting head of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs comes after the departure of Major General Lisa J. Hou, who has accepted a new assignment as the director of the Office of the Joint Surgeon General, National Guard Bureau. The nomination is …

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by Jon Craig
News
Meek Mill Joins NJ Gov. Murphy To Celebrate Landmark Clemency Effort On Juneteenth Meek Mill Joins NJ Gov. Murphy To Celebrate Landmark Clemency Effort On Juneteenth
Meek Mill Joins NJ Gov. Murphy To Celebrate Landmark Clemency Effort On Juneteenth Gov. Phil Murphy celebrated Juneteenth by announcing a historic initiative in an effort to improve racial justice in New Jersey. The governor signed an executive order on clemency at Saint James AME Church in Newark on Wednesday, June 19. The order establishes standards for people to receive expedited consideration for pardons and commutations. Gov. Murphy said the goal is to fix the racial inequalities that have existed in the criminal justice system. "As we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on our nation’s ongoing journey toward racial justice for Black and Brown …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
$18.5M Aerospace Innovation Center Planned Near Atlantic City International Airport $18.5M Aerospace Innovation Center Planned Near Atlantic City International Airport
$18.5M Aerospace Innovation Center Planned Near Atlantic City International Airport A new facility near the Atlantic City International Airport focusing on aerospace innovation will be the first of its kind in New Jersey, officials said. The $18.5 million Aerospace Innovation Center (AIC) will be built in the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP) in Egg Harbor Township, Gov. Phil Murphy announced in a news release on Tuesday, June 11. It will be the state's fifth strategic innovation center and the first dedicated to aerospace. The AIC will have space for aerospace research, high-speed connectivity with the data systems and labo…

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by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
NJ State Trooper Who Died During Training Leaves Behind Wife, Daughter (SERVICE DETAILS) NJ State Trooper Who Died During Training Leaves Behind Wife, Daughter (SERVICE DETAILS)
NJ State Trooper Who Died During Training Leaves Behind Wife, Daughter (Service Details) Arrangements have been finalized for New Jersey State Police Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, who died during training last week. Bethea, 33, had been training to join the TEAMS Unit, an emergency response unit "prepared to handle extra ordinary police emergencies," the NJSP website says. He died on Sunday, May 5. Gov. Phil Murphy said he died at headquarters in Ewing. It was not immediately clear how. According to his obituary, Bethea was born in Edison and grew up in Columbus, having graduated from Northern Burlington Regional High School in 2009 and Rowan Un…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Jersey Shore City To Get Emergency Beach Erosion Fix As Summer Approaches Jersey Shore City To Get Emergency Beach Erosion Fix As Summer Approaches
Jersey Shore City To Get Emergency Beach Erosion Fix As Summer Approaches A Cape May County beach desperate for more sand will get some emergency help for this summer, officials said. The state has authorized a short-term beach renourishment project along the coast of North Wildwood. Gov. Phil Murphy and Mayor Patrick Rosenello announced the plan in a brief joint statement at night on Thursday, Apr. 26. The Democratic governor and Republican mayor said they worked "through collaboration and bipartisan partnership" to find a temporary solution to erosion concerns in North Wildwood. "The New Jersey Department of Transportation's Office of Maritime Resources is cur…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate Monmouth University pollsters have tried to answer a question that has been hard to solve for many in the Garden State: Where is Central Jersey exactly? The Monmouth University Polling Institute released a survey on Tuesday, Apr. 16 that asked New Jerseyans what region they live in and if they believe their region gets a fair share of state resources. The pollsters also asked people to pick their favorite convenience store. According to the poll, 41 percent of New Jerseyans said they live in North Jersey, 34 percent said they're in Central Jersey, and 23 percent said they're from South…

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by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
'Reprehensible': Crimefighters Unite To Pursue Rutgers' Islamic Center Attackers (UPDATE) 'Reprehensible': Crimefighters Unite To Pursue Rutgers' Islamic Center Attackers (UPDATE)
'Reprehensible': Crimefighters Unite To Pursue Rutgers' Islamic Center Attackers (Update) The overnight trashing Wednesday of the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University in New Brunswick -- which coincides with the end of the holy month of Ramadan -- is being treated as a bias crime, authorities said. Someone forced their way in sometimes before 4:30 a.m. April 10, broke glass and destroyed artwork and various other possessions, Rutgers Police Chief Kenneth Cop said. The attack came on Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday commemorating the end of sunrise-to-dusk fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. "Today we witnessed art pieces with Quranic verses, shattered window…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Politics
Judge Strikes Down NJ's Party Line Ballot System Judge Strikes Down NJ's Party Line Ballot System
Judge Strikes Down NJ's Party Line Ballot System Andy Kim: 1. New Jersey's party line ballot system: 0 In a legal ruling that will set off an earthquake among New Jersey party bosses, a judge ruled against the state's controversial party line ballot system. The system gives preferential treatment to candidates endorsed by the county party, issuing a preliminary injunction against the ballots for the upcoming June primary and ruling ballots must use office block ballots. Judge Zahid Quraishi announced his ruling on Friday, March 29, siding with Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), who had filed a federal lawsuit seeking to get the line thrown out. …

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by Sam Barron
News
Bringing Affordable Housing To NJ Just Got Easier: Are You For Or Against It? (POLL) Bringing Affordable Housing To NJ Just Got Easier: Are You For Or Against It? (POLL)
Bringing Affordable Housing To NJ Just Got Easier: Are You For Or Against It? (Poll) New Jersey is hoping to become a national leader for affordable housing. Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a bill making it easier for municipalities to get funding to build more affordable housing and track its progress in meeting its benchmarks, under the Mount Laurel affordable housing doctrine. "We will be able to create more certainty and lower costs in New Jersey’s affordable housing landscape," Murphy said of the legislation. The Mount Laurel doctrine was created after the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in 1975 that every municipality must "make realistically possible an a…

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by Sam Barron
Politics
NJ First Lady Tammy Murphy Drops Out Of Senate Race NJ First Lady Tammy Murphy Drops Out Of Senate Race
NJ First Lady Tammy Murphy Drops Out Of Senate Race Tammy Murphy, the First Lady of New Jersey, announced on Sunday, March 24, she is ending her campaign for the Democratic nomination for US Senate. The announcement caps a dizzying a few months for Murphy, the wife of Gov. Phil Murphy, who entered the race as a frontrunner, racking up endorsements and raising $3.2 million in six weeks, but watched her campaign stall as Rep. Andy Kim overtook her in the polls.  Murphy was running to replace embattled incumbent Bob Menendez who is facing federal corruption charges. "Continuing in this race will involve waging a very divisive and negative…

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by Sam Barron
Politics
'Champion' Menendez Won't Run In Democratic Primary, Considering Independent Bid (VIDEO) 'Champion' Menendez Won't Run In Democratic Primary, Considering Independent Bid (VIDEO)
'Champion' Menendez Won't Run In Democratic Primary, Considering Independent Bid (Video) Embattled Senator Robert Menendez announced he will not run for re-election as a Democrat, but did not rule out running as an independent. Menendez, who is facing numerous federal bribery charges, made the announcement in a nine-minute video on Thursday, March 21.  Menendez, who has professed his innocence and called himself a champion for the state of New Jersey, said the charges against him make running a campaign impossible.  ALSO SEE: Menendez Accepted Benz As Bribe Following Fatal Wreck Caused By His Wife In Bergen: Reports "New Jerseysians deserve better than that," M…

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by Sam Barron
News
Atlantic City Airshow Will Take Flight In 2024, Financial Uncertainty Lingers In The Air Atlantic City Airshow Will Take Flight In 2024, Financial Uncertainty Lingers In The Air
Atlantic City Airshow Will Take Flight In 2024, Financial Uncertainty Lingers In The Air Atlantic City's popular air show has been saved for 2024 but questions about the event's future are flying above its head. In a news conference on Wednesday, Mar. 20, Mayor Marty Small Sr. officially announced the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) will provide $300,000 to fund the 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow. The free event is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13, and Wednesday, Aug. 14. Organizers said inflation and lingering COVID-19 pandemic impacts created doubts about the 2024 show as early as July 2023. A news release announcing the event's cancelation was drafted and could …

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by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
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…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Politics
Jersey City Mayor Ditches Murphy, Endorses Kim In NJ Senate Race Jersey City Mayor Ditches Murphy, Endorses Kim In NJ Senate Race
Jersey City Mayor Ditches Murphy, Endorses Kim In NJ Senate Race Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has seen enough from Tammy Murphy's Senate campaign. Fulop announced he is switching his endorsement to Rep. Andy Kim, saying he made a mistake in endorsing Murphy, the wife of Gov. Phil Murphy.  "Clearly I made one here and this convention season has demonstrated he is the better candidate to represent NJ," Fulop, who is running for governor in 2025 said. "The backbone of our party volunteers and activists have spoken loudly and we should listen to them." The Jersey City mayor initially endorsed Murphy last year, but said on Reporters Roundtable on Frid…

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by Sam Barron
News
$200 Million Healthcare Center Breaks Ground At NJ Transit Station $200 Million Healthcare Center Breaks Ground At NJ Transit Station
$200 Million Healthcare Center Breaks Ground At NJ Transit Station A new $200 million health and wellness center is hours away from breaking ground at none other than a NJ Transit station. The Hackensack Meridian Health facility will break ground Friday, March 8 at the New Jersey Transit Metropark Station in Iselin. The first of its kind, the center is expected to be completed by 2025. Gov. Phil Murphy is expected to join hospital, transportation and other elected officials as well as developers at an 11 a.m. ceremony, according to a hospital press statement. It's billed as the first accessible health and wellness center at a major transit hub nation…

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by Jon Craig
Lifestyle
Major Music, Comedy Stars Performing Across NJ At 2024 North To Shore Festival Major Music, Comedy Stars Performing Across NJ At 2024 North To Shore Festival
Major Music, Comedy Stars Performing Across NJ At 2024 North To Shore Festival Major musicians and comedians will perform across New Jersey in an arts festival unique to the Garden State, officials said. The North to Shore Festival will return in 2024 for its second year in Asbury Park, Atlantic City, and Newark, the state announced in a news release on Thursday, Mar. 7. Hundreds of thousands of people attended the three-city, three-week event in June 2023. Despite many events being free, the first edition of North to Shore generated $7.6 million in ticket sales. "Our inaugural North to Shore Festival was the beginning of a proud, new annual tradition that bring…

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by Chris Spiker
Schools
More Than 60K NJ Families Now Eligible For Free School Meals More Than 60K NJ Families Now Eligible For Free School Meals
More Than 60K NJ Families Now Eligible For Free School Meals A new law will make thousands of New Jersey students newly eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law on Tuesday, Jan. 16, expanding the eligibility for free meals to more than 60,000 additional families.  According to the Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act, public and non-public schools in the National School Lunch Program or federal School Breakfast Program will provide meals to students in households with an income of up to 224 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill signing comes after Gov. Murphy renewed his push for f…

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by Chris Spiker
News
NJ Student Drivers Need More Practice Hours Under New Law NJ Student Drivers Need More Practice Hours Under New Law
NJ Student Drivers Need More Practice Hours Under New Law A new law will require student drivers in New Jersey to spend more time learning behind the wheel before they can get a license. Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill on Monday, Jan. 8, that requires student drivers 21 years old and under to spend at least 50 practice hours with an adult. The law also requires at least ten hours to be completed at night. Parents or other adults must certify the practice driving hours were completed. The new law also requires a sample driving log to be included in informational brochures given to parents or adults of student drivers under 18. The New Jer…

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by Chris Spiker