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Photo by Daniella Heminghaus for the New Jersey Monitor) By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz New Jersey Monitor New Jersey is one of the only states that legalized marijuana but doesn’t allow people to grow their own cannabis at home, and most of the candidates hoping to become our next governor want to change that. In the six-person race to win the Democratic Party’s nomination to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy, four candidates said they’d support what’s referred to as home grow — letting people grow their own cannabis plants — for both recreational and medical cannabis users, while one Democrat said he’d support it just for medical cannabis. On the Republican side, two candidates said they’d support home grow for medical marijuana users only, while two others support it for recreational users, too. Former radio talk show host Bill Spadea, a Republican, said any adult should be able to grow cannabis at home,... Read more →

(TRENTON) — The Assembly State and Local Government Committee on Thursday advanced Bill A941, which would provide a retroactive property tax exemption for veterans declared 100% disabled. The legislation, sponsored by Assemblymen Roy Freiman, Christopher Tully, and Julio Marenco, would address administrative delays that prevent some disabled veterans from receiving their property tax exemption. “Veterans have made sacrifices for our country that we can never truly repay,” said Assemblyman Freiman (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset). “This bill is a critical step in addressing the financial struggles of disabled veterans, guaranteeing they receive the benefits they’ve earned—without the unnecessary delays that have too often kept them from getting the support they deserve.” Under the bill, municipalities would be required to return all property taxes collected on the veteran's property after the effective date of the disability determination by the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Additionally, the State would then reimburse... Read more →

Gov. Murphy’s budget is bad for local news by Terrence T. McDonald, New Jersey Monitor March 21, 2025 Nearly seven years ago, Gov. Phil Murphy took a bold step toward reviving, strengthening, and transforming local media and civic engagement. In August 2018, eight months into Murphy’s first term, he signed a widely popular, bipartisan bill establishing the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, an entity formed to provide financial aid to create and support trustworthy, community-based news. “I believe the Consortium is a viable means to begin to combat the widespread proliferation of deliberately false or misleading information that threatens our democracy and contributed to getting President Trump elected,” Murphy said then. State funding for the consortium has risen from $500,000 to $3 million. Now, with nine months left until Murphy leaves office, his last budget plan proposes quite a different commitment to the consortium: zero dollars. His spending plan also... Read more →

Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) and combat Veteran and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC)— issued the following statement slamming Senate Republicans for voting against an amendment version of their Protect Veteran Jobs Act—legislation that would reinstate Veterans who were fired from their jobs as part of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate purge of federal employees: “Senate Republicans love to say they support our nation’s Veterans on Fox News, but every single one of them just voted against giving our heroes their jobs back,” said Senators Duckworth and Kim. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are firing more Veterans than any Administration in modern history, and now Senate Republicans are on the record supporting their stunningly cruel betrayal of thousands of men and women who served in uniform and chose to continue serving their country in the federal workforce. Shame on Senate Republicans for kicking... Read more →

Legislation would give more support to micro- and small-businesses through new services and updated regulations (TRENTON) - Recognizing the vital role New Jersey’s small businesses play in our state’s economy, the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee on Thursday advanced several bills designed to grow businesses’ online presence and streamline the regulatory process. “Small businesses are anchors in our Main Streets, in our farmers markets, and in our local economies, helping bring communities together while providing the goods and services they need,” said Assemblyman William Spearman, Chair of the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee. “For small business owners, their business is a true labor of love. By advancing these bills, we are recognizing the hard work and dedication required to succeed, and we’re working to create opportunities that allow these businesses to thrive.” The committee advanced the following bills: A4492 (Collazos-Gill/McCoy) establishes a fee refund program for... Read more →

U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (left) (NJ District 1 (D) GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ(MARCH 22, 2025(CNBNews)--The Camden County Board of Commissioners and Congressman Donald Norcross will continue hosting Town Hall Meetings across Camden County in 2025. We are taking questions to be shared with appropriate levels of government to be answered via email or phone. The next Town Hall will be Thursday, March 27th in Gloucester City. Click Here to submit questions. The Camden County Board of Commissioners hosts its Monthly Meetings at 520 Market Street on the 6th Floor in Camden. These meetings are open to the public and allow community members to stay up-to-date on county proceedings. The next Caucus and Monthly Commissioner Meeting will be held April 15th and April 17th. Click Here to watch meetings online. Imagine all your county information in the palm of your hand! The Camden County App is a free resource that serves as... Read more →

Testimony outlined Democratic efforts to combat price hikes and promote clean energy (TRENTON) — Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex) testified at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ (NJBPU’s) Quarterly Public Meeting. The Speaker’s testimony centered on steps Assembly Democrats are taking to combat the rising cost of utility bills. “For the past seven years and some months, Democrats in New Jersey have taken an ‘all of the above’ approach to creating clean energy right here in New Jersey. We know that if we help support energy creation here, we can generate the energy our families and businesses need while also creating a generation of middle class, union jobs that will drive our economy forward,” said Speaker Coughlin during his testimony. “Most importantly, we also know what this means for the people of our state. Simply put: lower costs for utilities.” “Whether it’s been solar, wind, nuclear or energy... Read more →

(March 20, 2025 – Wenonah) - Amanda Esposito and Gerard “Jerry” McManus have officially secured the endorsement of the Gloucester Republican Party for New Jersey Assembly in the 4th Legislative District (LD4). Winning the Gloucester County GOP Convention, Esposito & McManus are now the party’s chosen candidates to advocate for responsible governance, economic growth, and a stronger future for New Jersey families. The convention also unanimously endorsed former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli for New Jersey governor. New Jersey’s 4th Legislative District spans 10 municipalities across Camden, Gloucester, and Atlantic counties, including Gloucester Township, Washington Township, Winslow Township, Franklin Township, Waterford, Newfield, Chesilhurst, Buena Borough, Buena Vista Township, and Monroe Township. Gloucester County GOP Chairman Adam Wingate expressed strong support for the candidates, stating, “Amanda Esposito and Jerry McManus are the right leaders to represent the hardworking families of LD4. They bring the experience, dedication, and vision needed to fight for fiscal... Read more →

JERSEY CITY, N.J. –  Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) announced a series of three town halls across New Jersey to be held this week to hear directly from the people and engage in a dialogue about the future of our country. Following through on his long-held commitment to hold town halls and be accessible to New Jerseyans, Senator Kim held 81 town halls before being sworn in to the Senate at the end of 2024 and has held two telephone town halls this year. Over the course of the first ten weeks of legislative session in the U.S. Senate this year, Senator Kim has worked to hold the Trump administration accountable by introducing legislation to reinstate veterans they fired and highlighting the damaging impact of the Trump administration’s lawlessness. To support New Jersey families, he took action to protect federal programs Americans rely on and defend New Jersey’s schools and students.... Read more →

WASHINGTON D.C. –  Senator Andy Kim released the following statement condemning President Trump for illegally firing the two Democratic commissioners at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): “Firing FTC commissioners is not only another one of Trump’s power grabs; it is blatantly illegal and against a 90-year Supreme Court precedent. By sabotaging the FTC’s independence, Trump is trying to ensure this agency works only for his interests, not those of the small businesses, families, and American workers that the FTC is there to protect. While the direct impact of the FTC might not be top of mind for many, this extremism and corruption cannot go overlooked.” Read more →

Your NRA testified against a slate of anti-gun bills in the Assembly Judiciary Committee last month in Trenton. With plugged ears, anti-gun Democrats forced their agenda through despite testimony revealing numerous problems with the legislation. On Thursday, March 20th, another committee; the Assembly Appropriations Committee, is scheduled to consider the same package of bills. This is about politics for them, not public safety. They need to keep their anti-gun base satiated because they have proven they have no real answers to fix the state’s enormous problems. They are more interested in holding on to power than ebbing the tide of outbound moving vans. Again, these are the same bills which passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee and must pass Assembly Appropriations before advancing to the floor. A.4974 prescribes penalties for the sale and possession of “machine gun conversion devices.” Such devices are already banned at both the state and federal level.... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews On March 4, 2025, President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress lasted nearly 100 minutes, making it the longest in recent history. His remarks surpassed those of former President Bill Clinton's second-longest address at the State of the Union in 2000, which lasted an hour and 28 minutes, according to the American Presidency Project, which has tracked speech lengths since President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia) WASHINGTON, D.C. (MARCH 6, 2025) (CNBNews) -- On the night of March 4, during a joint session of Congress, Republican President Donald J. Trump, the 47th president of the United States, outlined what his administration has accomplished in the first 73 days of his term. He also discussed some of his goals, including ending the Ukraine-Russia War, making Greenland the 51st state of the United States, re-naming the Gulf of Mexico the... Read more →

21 hrs ago By Dan McCaleb | The Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy needs to either return to the bargaining table or possibly be replaced after Friday's tense meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance – televised across the world – ended in dispute over the U.S.' peacemaking role in the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking on NBC's Meet the Press, Johnson said Zelenskyy "needs to come to his senses and come back to the table in gratitude or someone else needs to lead the country to do that. It's up to the Ukrainians to figure that out." Zelenskyy visited the Oval Office Friday when he and the Trump administration were expected to reach a deal over Ukrainian minerals in exchange for the U.S. committing to continue helping the war-torn nation as a peace deal is... Read more →

Washington, DC(February 25, 2025)-- - Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement regarding the passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 House budget resolution. "As much as I wanted to see a different budget resolution, I ultimately voted for it because it is essential to move the budget process forward so real negotiations can begin," said Congressman Van Drew. "Americans made it clear they want a better budget—one that reins in spending while protecting the services families rely on. Let me be clear: I will not cut Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid. As we head into the next phase, I will fight like hell to ensure we safeguard these critical programs while also addressing our deficit, ensuring President Trump's agenda can be funded, and cutting wasteful spending. I have had numerous one-on-one conversations with President Trump on this matter, and he shares my philosophy—these programs must be protected for the... Read more →

Dear Friend, South Jersey families are feeling the impact of rising prices under the Trump Administration. Instead of offering stability, President Trump and Elon Musk are fueling fear, chaos, and uncertainty—leaving working families behind. In Congress, I am committed to pushing back against these harmful policies and ensuring our government works for the American people. Protecting Americans from Elon Musk’s Conflicts of Interest Elon Musk’s influence over government decision-making is unacceptable. That’s why I am pushing for legislation in Congress to ensure he is held accountable. I support the following bills: Ending DOGE Conflicts Act – This bill would expose Musk’s financial conflicts of interest by requiring Musk and others who are given his same title of Special Government Employee to file public financial disclosures. CLEAR Act – This bill will ensure that temporary agencies, such as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are subject to Freedom of Information Act... Read more →

“I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their efforts to halt the current congestion pricing program in Manhattan’s Central Business District. “While I have consistently expressed openness to a form of congestion pricing that meaningfully protects the environment and does not unfairly burden hardworking New Jersey commuters, the current program lines the MTA’s pockets at the expense of New Jerseyans. “Although we have had a difference of opinion with our colleagues in New York on congestion pricing, we have always had a productive relationship with our neighbors across the Hudson. I look forward to continuing that spirit of partnership for the benefit of the entire Tri-State Area.” Read more →

Bob Menendez — again — appeals conviction in bribery scheme by Dana DiFilippo, New Jersey Monitor February 14, 2025 Former Sen. Bob Menendez wants a federal appeals court to overturn his conviction and sentence in a global bribery scheme. Menendez attorneys filed a notice of appeal Thursday, four months before the disgraced longtime Democrat is expected to report to federal prison to begin serving 11 years behind bars. The appeal is no surprise. Menendez has denied wrongdoing and appealed every step of the way. Federal Judge Sidney H. Stein shot down two prior appeals — one his attorneys filed a month after his July conviction and another filed in November after prosecutors revealed they mistakenly uploaded insufficiently redacted documents to a laptop jurors used during deliberations. He also vowed he would appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court after his sentencing last month, when he blasted the Southern... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews WASHINGTON, DC (CNBNews)(February 8, 2025)--Today, Democrats in the halls of Washington D.C. paint President Trump as a figure of utter callousness, criticizing his bold initiatives to trim down the federal workforce and cut spending, beginning with the international aid agency, USAID. Notably, some of the same Democrats—such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from New York, Representatives Melanie Stansbury from New Mexico, Veronica Escobar from Texas, Maxwell Frost from Florida, Debbie Dingell from Michigan, Ilhan Omar from Minnesota, and Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey—took to the steps of the Treasury Department last week. They stood united with activists and supporters, rallying for their cause with fervor and passion. In their fervor, they seem to have overlooked a fundamental truth: President Trump secured the presidency on a clear mandate to reduce government spending and eradicate waste at the federal level. With a staggering 77,302,580... Read more →

"This is utterly insane and must be addressed immediately." ~Elon Musk DOGE HEAD EXECUTIVE (WASHINGTON, D.C. )CNBNews)(February 8, 2025)– In a significant announcement earlier today, Elon Musk, the visionary leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the U.S. Treasury Department, unveiled an ambitious initiative to implement a groundbreaking payment categorization code. This innovative move reflects DOGE's relentless pursuit of enhancing government efficiency and curbing waste. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and advanced software solutions, the department aims to streamline operations and usher in a new era of fiscal responsibility. The statement articulates the vision for this initiative as follows: Elon Musk, who heads President Donald J. Trump's DOGE team, and the United States Department of Treasury have jointly agreed it makes sense the following: - Require that all outgoing government payments have a payment categorization code necessary to pass financial audits. This is frequently left blank, making audits almost... Read more →

Our local government is very important because it is the closest level of government to the citizens and directly impacts our daily lives. It is the foundation of democracy and is responsible for providing essential services to its communities. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR An open government is transparent, participatory, and collaborative. Transparency means sharing data and information. Participating means hearing and implementing ideas from many kinds of people and organizations. Gloucester City citizens expect their government to be fair and to spend their tax dollars wisely and without waste. Gloucester City citizens expect government workers to work as efficiently as possible so their tax dollars are put to the best use. Live-streaming public meetings should be used to provide accessibility, transparency, and accountability to the citizens of our community. Remember, this is why the people elected you to do the job of a council member. Start doing it! Robert S.... Read more →

School choice is the civil rights issue of the 21st century. Every child—regardless of ethnicity, zip code, race, or wealth—should have a fair shot at a quality education. As the Senate’s leading advocate for school choice, I am committed to ensuring that families have the freedom to choose the best educational path for their children. Education is not a one-size-fits-all issue, that’s why I firmly believe that investing in the success of future generations is an investment in America’s excellence. As I do every Congress, this week I joined my Republican colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing January 26 – February 1 as National School Choice Week. Just weeks into 2025, President Trump is taking decisive action to secure our southern border and restore law and order to our nation’s immigration system. As the Senator for Texas, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of Biden’s open border crisis on... Read more →

Senator Andy Kim addressed top public health concerns including addiction prevention and treatment, vaccine access and development, and research around gun deaths during the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions’ Nomination Hearing for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kim began his question line on a top priority for New Jersey and our country, combating the opioid crisis and saving lives with expanded treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT). “I know we all take this very seriously, in terms of the plight of opioid addiction in our country and that is something I hope we can recognize that we need to lift up more and more...” said Senator Kim. “In fact, an NIH published study does call [MAT] the gold standard of treatment for opioid use disorder.” As a member of the House of Representatives, Kim prioritized expanding access to opioid treatment... Read more →

SPORTS PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 23, 2025) -- The Philadelphia Eagles have set a new record for the highest average ticket price (ATP) ever recorded for an NFL game outside of the Super Bowl. According to ticketing technology company Victory Live, which analyzes secondary market ticket sales, the NFC Championship between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles has an ATP of $1,374. This is 16% higher than the last time Philadelphia hosted the game in 2023 ($1,187) and 35% higher than last season’s NFC Championship in San Francisco ($1,020). The figures analyze sold tickets across the secondary market, not including fees. The AFC Championship featuring the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs has an ATP of $742, according to Victory Live. This represents a 34% increase from the last time Kansas City hosted in 2023 ($553) but a slight 4% decrease from last year’s AFC Championship in Baltimore ($770). Here... Read more →

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor Jan 21, 2025 (The Center Square) – Of the many executive orders and proclamations President Donald Trump signed on Monday, one renames two geographical locations, Mount McKinley and Gulf of America. In an executive order, “Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness,” Trump states, “It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation and ensure future generations of American citizens celebrate the legacy of our American heroes. The naming of our national treasures, including breathtaking natural wonders and historic works of art, should honor the contributions of visionary and patriotic Americans in our Nation’s rich past.” The order directs new members of the U.S. Board of Geographic Names (BGN) to be appointed and for the Secretary of the Interior to review and consider additional appointments. Once there is a new board, the order directs its members to “honor... Read more →

SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES 01.21.2025 Story by Joshua Rodriguez Naval Information Forces Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) hosted the third annual Culture of Excellence (COE) 2.0 Summit Jan. 9-10, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to promoting resiliency, operational readiness, and a "Get Real, Get Better" mindset across the Information Warfare (IW) domain. Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, NAVIFOR’s Commander and IBoss, opened the summit welcoming leaders, presenters, and participants from across the Navy enterprise. “Good morning! It is an honor to serve as your IBOSS and my privilege to host you for this third iteration of the IW community’s ongoing effort to promote resiliency and the ‘Get Real, Get Better’ mindset across the domain,” Vernazza began. “This year’s summit focuses on the continued rollout of COE 2.0, an adaptable framework designed to streamline and align Navy programs, providing actionable tools for leaders to better understand and address the needs of their people.” The... Read more →

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew celebrated President Trump's day-one executive order which immediately halted offshore wind leasing and permitting. The order also lays the legal groundwork to permanently terminate these projects by directing the Department of the Interior (DOI) to review existing leases and examine their ecological, economic, and environmental impact. "The executive order President Trump signed last night to halt offshore wind projects includes much of the language we provided," said Congressman Van Drew. "The president has always been a vocal critic of these disastrous scams, and we are grateful for his unwavering support. This has been a long, hard-fought battle against powerful, foreign multinational corporations that have shown zero regard for our fishing industry, our environment, our whales, national security, or the American energy consumer. These companies, aided by politicians willing to subsidize their failures with taxpayer dollars, were determined to force wind energy on us.... Read more →

January 21, 2025 — The 24 hours between the end of former President Joe Biden’s administration and the start of President Donald Trump’s second term saw unusual uses of a president’s constitutional power to pardon. Biden issued preemptive pardons protecting family members, administrators, and members of Congress from federal investigations, while Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of all involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. Virginia Tech political expert Karen Hult discussed historical precedents for these pardons and what effects they could have on the partisan and governing landscape. On the precedent for preemptive pardons and their effectiveness “In general, preemptive pardons evidently are constitutional, given the broad and quite vague language of Article 2 of the U.S. Constitution. They have also been rare. Their ‘effectiveness,’ of course, depends on the objective being pursued. The pardons likely do not mean that those who received pardons will... Read more →

UPDATED: William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews The 2022 FBI Uniform Crime Rate indicates that Gloucester City has the highest crime rate in both the state of New Jersey and the entire nation, according to www.areavibes.com/ This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September 2023; this is the most current data available. This alarming statistic prompts a critical examination of the factors contributing to such an elevated crime rate, particularly the role of leadership within the police department. One pertinent question arises: Could the city's crime issues be connected to the fact that we have a part-time police chief? In addition to the troubling crime figures, Gloucester City also faces significant financial challenges. The city's property tax rate is among the highest in New Jersey, leading to further concerns. We must ask: Is this burden on residents a consequence of having a part-time... Read more →

Before President-elect Donald Trump was sworn into office, NBC News confirmed Vivek Ramaswamy was leaving DOGE and intends to announce his candidacy for Ohio governor. The Department of Government Efficiency is a new advisory body proposed by Trump and was to be run by Ramaswamy and Elon Musk. » Subscribe to NBC News: http://nbcnews.to/SubscribeToNBC » Watch more NBC video: http://bit.ly/MoreNBCNews NBC News Digital is a collection of innovative and powerful news brands that deliver compelling, diverse and engaging news stories. NBC News Digital features NBCNews.com, MSNBC.com, TODAY.com, Nightly News, Meet the Press, Dateline, and the existing apps and digital extensions of these respective properties. We deliver the best in breaking news, live video coverage, original journalism and segments from your favorite NBC News Shows. Read more →

Chief Justice John G. Roberts administers the oath of presidency to Donald J. Trump, with Vice-President JD Vance and Melania Trump looking on. (photo courtesy of https://www.ripplesnigeria.com WASHINGTON, DC. (CNBNews)--Today, January 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump, the 45th President, and the 47th President, along with JD Vance, took the oath of office as the President and Vice President, respectably. Below is an excerpt from the 2024 GOP Platform, "Make America Great Again." A link to the full platform is also provided. Our Nation’s History is filled with the stories of brave men and women who gave everything they had to build America into the Greatest Nation in the History of the World. Generations of American Patriots have summoned the American Spirit of Strength, Determination, and Love of Country to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. The American People have proven time and again that we can overcome any obstacle and any force... Read more →

MLK DAY: Pastoral Organization Hosts Education Stop at Philadelphia Church PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – On Monday, January 20, 2025, at 6:30 PM, a community town hall will be held centered on education policies and their impacts on low-income and other marginalized students. The town hall will be held in at New Covenant Church of Philadelphia at 7500 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119. The event is free and open to the public. It is being organized by Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE), a nonpartisan, educational advocacy group of independent congregations. New Covenant Church of Philadelphia is one of the independent congregations that works in partnership with BPUE. The panelists for the town hall include: Rev. Joshua C. Robertson, Lenny McAllister, Pastor Bob Oliver, and Pastor Jerome Barmore. The town hall discussions are to help community members better understand the political process and education policies. “The church has a spiritual mandate to... Read more →

UNITED STATES-MEXICO BORDER--Under 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(6)(A)(i), immigrants are “inadmissible” to the United States, and they are criminally liable under 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a) if they enter the United States at a “place other than as designated” by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). CATO INSTITUTE PHOTO ====================== CAIR-NJ Urges Gov. Murphy to Pass Immigrant Trust Act to Protect Communities as Trump Inauguration Looms (NEWARK, NJ -- 1/17/2025) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey (CAIR-NJ) today calls on Gov. Phil Murphy to pass the Immigrant Trust Act and stand firmly in protecting the state’s immigrant population. With nearly two million immigrants in the U.S., New Jersey has a moral and practical obligation to act swiftly by passing this critical legislation. "New Jersey’s immigrant population is at grave risk as the incoming administration has made its intentions for mass deportations and detainments abundantly clear," said... Read more →

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim released the following statement on a confirmed ceasefire and hostage release deal between Isreal and Hamas: “The announcement of this ceasefire comes as a relief for the families of hostages who have been without their loved ones for 466 days, but far too late for those hostages who have been killed and the thousands of Palestinian civilians who have died since. Those of us in New Jersey are pressing for Edan Alexander to be one of those released, and I have made that clear to the White House. The terms of this ceasefire are only as good as the willingness of both sides to adhere to its conditions, and I strongly encourage the Israeli government and Hamas to move forward in good faith. Every day forward must be dedicated to ensuring that the tragedy of October 7th and the events that have taken... Read more →

(TRENTON) — Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex) offered the following statement regarding the Governor’s annual State of the State address: “I am proud of the progress we’ve made to keep New Jersey an affordable place to live while meeting our obligations and making prudent investments for the future. From our continued efforts to provide property tax relief and fund programs to help New Jersey families, we have made real strides in improving the quality of life for everyone in New Jersey. “As the Governor acknowledged, we face challenges ahead, but thanks to sound fiscal management we have been able to improve our credit rating, pay down our debt, and fully fund our schools and the state pension system – achievements that reflect our commitment to responsible governance. We’ve also managed to cut taxes and avoid taking on new debt. I applaud the Governor for these actions, and support his... Read more →

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Andy Kim released the following statement following President Jimmy Carter’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral. “Today we observed the funeral of a kind and devoted public servant. President Carter’s lifelong conviction of service was guided by great compassion and a selfless will to look after the people and world around him. From his beloved communities in Georgia to far corners of our nation, the goodness in his heart inspired goodness in others. May we help his lessons of courage and leadership continue to spread hope for generations to come.” Read more →

Actionable intelligence helps organizations better prepare for emerging risks NEW YORK, Jan. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 2025 will be a year of significant trade disruptions and uncertainty about the global economy, with a likely cease fire in Ukraine and continued volatility in the Middle East. These are the top highlights from RANE’s Annual Geopolitical Forecast, identifying the core trends and constraints that will shape global developments in the coming year. Among the major trends for 2025, our forecast highlights: The United States will announce tariffs to pressure its trading partners into negotiations, triggering retaliatory threats and protectionist measures by other countries seeking to shield themselves. Ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are likely, but any deals to stop hostilities would be fragile while a long-lasting peace agreement to end the war will remain elusive. Israel will engage in wars of attrition in Gaza and Lebanon, where ceasefires are unlikely... Read more →

Statement from David B. Burritt, U. S. Steel President and CEO, on Today’s Order by President Biden January 3, 2025 - President Biden’s action today is shameful and corrupt. He gave a political payback to a union boss out of touch with his members while harming our company’s future, our workers, and our national security. He David B. Burritt insulted Japan, a vital economic and national security ally, and put American competitiveness at risk. The Chinese Communist Party leaders in Beijing are dancing in the streets. And Biden did it all while refusing to even meet with us to learn the facts. Our employees and communities deserve better. We needed a President who knows how to get the best deal for America and work hard to make it happen. Make no mistake: this investment is what guarantees a great future for U. S. Steel, our employees, our communities, and our... Read more →

Victor Davis Hanson American Greatness Never in U.S. history has a president-elect been welcomed as the real president before his January 20 inauguration. And never has the incumbent president so willingly surrendered his last two months in office and all but abdicated—to the relief of his nation and the rest of the world. One reason so many are welcoming Trump’s return is the universally desperate hope that his election spelled an end to a collective madness at home and its ripples abroad during the last four years. And why not? Nations overseas had never quite witnessed anything like the lethal August 2021 American flight from Afghanistan. That utter humiliation and impotence of the U.S. military likely signaled to Russia there would be no consequences if it invaded Ukraine—and it did; to Iran that it could now unleash Hamas and Hezbollah on Israel—and it did; and to China that it could... Read more →

304,147 views Streamed live on Dec 4, 2024 #CNBC #CNBCTV Department of Government Efficiency Co-Lead Vivek Ramaswamy joins CNBC Senior Washington Correspondent Eamon Javers and CNBC “Closing Bell: Overtime” Co-Anchor Morgan Brennan to discuss the DOGE's plan and what to expect of Donald Trump's second term. For access to live and exclusive video from CNBC subscribe to CNBC PRO: https://cnb.cx/42d859g Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Photo credit (Edward Tucker, Gloucester City photographer) GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ)--President Jimmy Carter with the Knights of Columbus Council #674 banner in the background. Many residents are unaware that President Jimmy visited Gloucester City in 1979 during a campaign stomp through New Jersey while running for a second term against Republican challenger Ronald Reagan. A local family from Gloucester City, the Rafferty's, were chosen to host a chat with the President at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Monmouth Street. Several thousand people crowded Monmouth Street, hoping to see the President. When his motor caravan stopped before the K of C Hall, the President exited his limousine and waded into the crowd. The Secret Service stood back as "Jimmy" shook hands with some of the onlookers. (see related article below). Today, America lost its 39th President, James Earl (Jimmy) Carter at age 100 (October 1, 1924 -... Read more →

Monday, December 23, 2024 China warns U.S. is ‘playing with fire’, Australia approves extradition of former Marine over alleged training of Chinese military pilots, and U.S. military helps Santa deliver Xmas presents to indigenous Alaskan village. 1. The Chinese government protested Sunday the latest American announcements of military sales and assistance to Taiwan, warning the United States that it is “playing with fire.” U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday authorized the provision of up to $571 million in Defense Department material and services and in military education and training for Taiwan. Separately, the Defense Department said Friday that $295 million in military sales had been approved. A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement urged the U.S. to stop arming Taiwan and stop what it called “dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” 2. Former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan will be extradited from Australia to the United... Read more →

(TRENTON) — Assemblywoman Andrea Katz recently introduced resolution AJR-207, which would urge the United States Congress to start the process of convening a constitutional amendment that would enshrine abortion and in vitro fertilization (IVF) access across the country. Assemblywoman Carmen Morales also sponsored the resolution. “After last month’s election results, we know there won’t be any federal protections coming to protect access to abortion or IVF,” said Assemblywoman Katz (D-Atlantic, Burlington). “If anything, we can expect efforts to encroach on our basic freedoms. That is why I am going to use my authority as a state legislator to begin the process of calling for a constitutional convention.” According to Katz, a constitutional amendment proposed by Congress through a constitutional convention, and ratified by three-fourths of the states, would ensure that all individuals, regardless of where they live, have access to essential reproductive health services. “I’m thankful that I am able... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews TRENTON, NJ (December 13, 2024)(CNBNews)--On Thursday, December 12, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy sent a letter to President Joe Biden, expressing his profound concerns about an alarming situation involving drones over New Jersey. These mysterious flyovers, which began on November 18, 2024, have raised significant apprehension among residents and state officials alike. In his correspondence, Governor Murphy urged President Biden to allocate more resources to investigate these troubling sightings thoroughly, emphasizing the need for clarity and safety in the skies above the state. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby spoke Thursday at the White House press briefing about the mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey recently. He said the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are investigating the. He also said, "Many of the reported sightings are manned aircraft being operated lawfully." Murphy's full letter and Kirby's video statement are below. Multiple drones... Read more →

President-elect Donald J. Trump will officially take the oath of office on January 20, 2025. Between now and then, he and members of his administration are doing what they can to Make Our Country Great Again. One department we are anxiously awaiting to see in action is the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate and biotech entrepreneur, are the co-heads of the new agency created by Trump to root out government waste and find ways to save taxpayers money. This comes as the U.S. national debt rises to shocking new heights, largely due to spending that has gone out of control over the last few decades. In the meantime, incumbent President Joseph Biden continues to stir up his detractors by pardoning his son, Hunter Biden. Hunter's pardon goes back... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Former Luzerne County Court Judges Michael Conahan (standing at the front left) and Mark Ciavarella (standing at the front right) were photographed as they departed from the United States District Courthouse in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 2009. These two judges were involved in a disturbing corruption scheme that exploited vulnerable children by sending them to for-profit juvenile detention centers in exchange for substantial kickbacks. They were sentenced to prison and ordered to pay $200 million in restitution to the hundreds of children who fell victim to their criminal practices. Both were sentenced to prison. Photo credit: Mark Moran/AP. Michael T. Conahan, a 72-year-old former judge entangled in the infamous Kids-for-Cash scandal that rocked the juvenile justice system in 2010, received a pardon yesterday from President Joseph Biden. Conahan served as a judge in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, where he became embroiled in a deeply troubling conspiracy.... Read more →

Washington, DC (December 11, 2024)--- New Jersey Republican Congressman Van Drew, in a press release, said today that the drones flying over his state are coming from an Iranian drone mothership. He has been meeting with officials to gather information on these incidents, which he believes could be part of a much larger national security threat. "What we have uncovered so far is deeply troubling," said Congressman Van Drew. "There is circumstantial evidence that suggests these drones could be the work of foreign adversaries, specifically Iran. Right now, we know that there are drones flying in from the direction of the ocean. We also know there is an Iranian drone mothership that is missing from port in Iran, with a timeline matching the emergence of these drones. The time to act on this information is now before the threat escalates any further. These drones are intentionally flying in uncontrolled airspace,... Read more →

Washington, DC - Over the past few days, Congressman Van Drew has been investigating the disturbing reports that have emerged of drones flying over New Jersey. He has been meeting with officials to gather information on these incidents, which he believes could be part of a much larger national security threat. "What we have uncovered so far is deeply troubling," said Congressman Van Drew. "There is circumstantial evidence that suggests these drones could be the work of foreign adversaries, specifically Iran. Right now, we know that there are drones flying in from the direction of the ocean. We also know there is an Iranian drone mothership that is missing from port in Iran, with a timeline matching the emergence of these drones. The time to act on this information is now before the threat escalates any further. These drones are intentionally flying in uncontrolled airspace, expertly navigating around areas with... Read more →

By Chris Wade | The Center Square contributor 4 hrs ago 4 hrs ago (The Center Square) – Members of New Hampshire's all-Democratic congressional delegation are adding to criticism of President Joe Biden's decision to wield his executive power in a far-reaching pardon to his son Hunter. Hunter Biden has pleaded guilty to felony tax charges and a jury found him guilty in June of lying on a firearm purchase form. He was facing decades in prison during his sentencing, which had been scheduled for later this month. Biden had repeatedly said that no matter the outcome of his son's legal troubles he would not pardon him. He broke that promise and became the first sitting president to grant an unconditional pardon to a member of his family. The president said he "wrestled" with the decision to pardon his son before he steps down from office in January. He based... Read more →

Curiosity of Amish voting impact continues J.D. Davidson | The Center Square (The Center Square) – The Amish vote received significant attention throughout the 2024 election cycle as Republican activists worked to mobilize the traditionally low-turnout group. As the frenzy settles, curiosity about its impact continues. The hyper-focus was fueled by extensive communities in battleground states, most of all Pennsylvania. It was also an opportunity to bring the historically politically adverse and traditionalist culture under the Grand Old Party’s umbrella. Some Amish refrain from voting due to beliefs emphasizing separation from "worldly" influences, though a desire for religious freedom and protection from government overreach has drawn more to the polls in recent years. Republican U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson, whose district encompasses the largest Amish settlement in Ohio’s Holmes County, told The Center Square that the community doesn’t see things all that differently. "The Amish community wants the same things most... Read more →

CNBNews graphic files By Eric Scott After increasing spending to record levels every year since he took office, Gov. Phil Murphy is now warning New Jersey is running out of money. He has rejected such talk for years, but Murphy has reportedly ordered his cabinet members to freeze some state workers raises, put a hold on new hires and find ways to cut departmental budgets. It's a huge turnaround for Murphy, who has increased spending 63% as governor. A memo went out to department heads from Murphy's chief of staff according to NJ.com. The email, obtained by NJ Advance Media, ordered a conservation of state resources. Department heads were already told to prepare to reduce their budgets by 5% heading into 2026 budget year. There have also been reports that Murphy has already warned legislative leaders he intends to reduce spending in his next, and final, budget. That would be... Read more →