Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Moorestown Township Public Safety Director Patrick J. Reilly Jr. revealed that a 73-year-old Moorestown man faced charges on Thursday for murdering his wife in their East Camden Avenue residence. Gerard Slavin was charged with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault – Strangulation.
He was held at the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly awaiting a detention hearing in Superior Court.
The investigation commenced just before 3 p.m. on Thursday after authorities received a call regarding the Slavin’s home in the Moorestowne Woods Apartment Homes. Responding officers from the Moorestown Township Police Department discovered the lifeless body of Linda Slavin, 73, in the couple’s bedroom.
Following the incident, Gerard Slavin was taken into custody without any complications. The Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood performed an autopsy on Friday, confirming that Linda Slavin’s cause of death was strangulation. Authorities from the Moorestown Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office are leading the ongoing investigation with MTPD Det. Ryan Carr and Prosecutor’s Office detectives Shawn McDonough and Katie White at the helm.
- Where Mikie Sherrill Stands on Issues Important to Suburban Communities in New Jersey
Montclair, NJ – As New Jersey’s newly elected governor, Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, steps into the role amid ongoing debates over policies affecting the state’s suburban communities.
Representing a district that included affluent suburbs in northern New Jersey during her time in Congress, Sherrill has articulated positions on a range of issues from immigration to environmental regulations.
Her stances, often aligning with Democratic priorities while emphasizing practicality and affordability, were shaped by her campaign against Republican Jack Ciattarelli, where she secured a decisive victory.
Below, we outline her views on nine critical topics relevant to suburban residents, based on her public statements, voting record, and campaign pledges.
Illegal immigration
Sherrill advocates for comprehensive immigration reform that balances humanitarian concerns with security. She supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and has called for enhanced border security measures.
During her gubernatorial campaign, she criticized certain enforcement tactics, such as ICE agents wearing masks, and emphasized local law enforcement’s role in aiding immigration efforts without endorsing blanket sanctuary policies.
Her position remains somewhat ambiguous on New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits local police cooperation with ICE, though she has not pledged to repeal it outright, unlike her opponent.
In Congress, she abstained from voting on a bill to detain and deport undocumented immigrants who assault police officers.Suburban voters in areas like Morris and Essex counties, where immigration enforcement intersects with community safety, may see her approach as moderate, focusing on reform over strict crackdowns.
Prediction: No Major Policy Change from Phil Murphy
Clean Cars II / Phil Murphy gas car ban
Sherrill supports New Jersey’s adoption of California’s Clean Cars II standards, which aim to phase out new gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035 under Governor Phil Murphy’s initiative. She has voted to maintain federal policies aligning with this ban, rejecting bipartisan efforts to repeal similar national mandates.
Backing Murphy’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2035, she views the transition as essential for environmental sustainability, though critics argue it could raise costs for suburban commuters reliant on personal vehicles.
Her stance emphasizes long-term benefits like reduced emissions, positioning New Jersey as a leader in green transportation amid suburban concerns over EV infrastructure and affordability.
Prediction: No Major Policy Change from Phil Murphy
Plastic bag ban
Sherrill endorses New Jersey’s ban on single-use plastic bags, implemented under Murphy, stating plainly that “we shouldn’t be using plastic bags.”
This position aligns with broader environmental goals to reduce waste and pollution, which resonate in suburban areas dealing with litter and recycling challenges.
Unlike Ciattarelli, who pledged to rescind the ban, Sherrill has not indicated any intent to reverse it, viewing it as a step toward sustainability despite some public frustration with reusable bag requirements at grocery stores.
Prediction: No Major Policy Change from Phil Murphy
Skyrocketing energy costs
Addressing one of the campaign’s hottest issues, Sherrill has pledged to declare a state of emergency on utility costs upon taking office, aiming to freeze electric rates and offset spikes through state interventions.
She campaigned aggressively on affordability, blaming external factors like capacity costs and holding Republicans accountable for exacerbating price hikes.
For suburban households facing double-digit bill increases, her plan includes working with utilities like PSEG to lower rates and expand affordable energy options, though skeptics question the feasibility without federal aid.
Prediction: Sherrill appears to be less stubborn than Phil Murphy, and more open to fossil fuel energy production in some areas.
Nuclear power
Sherrill has expressed openness to nuclear energy as part of New Jersey’s energy mix, discussing it positively in campaign events as a reliable, low-carbon source.
However, her primary focus leans toward renewables like solar, contrasting with Republican emphasis on expanding nuclear alongside natural gas.
She supports exploring advanced nuclear options, such as small modular reactors, but prioritizes rapid deployment of solar to address suburban energy demands and costs.
This balanced view could appeal to environmentally conscious suburbs while acknowledging the need for baseload power.
Prediction: Sherrill will try to balance her green energy agenda with natural gas and nuclear power, but she faces an uphill battle within in her own party.
School funding in suburban districts hit by Murphy cuts
Sherrill aims to reform New Jersey’s school funding formula, which has led to cuts in suburban districts under Murphy’s S-2 law. She supports voluntary school mergers to reduce costs and pledges legal action to recover federal education funds.
Recognizing the strain on suburban taxpayers, she plans to update the formula for fairness, potentially forcing consolidations if needed, while investing in early childhood education and teacher support.
This approach seeks to mitigate program losses in districts like those in her former congressional area, emphasizing equity without drastic overhauls.
Prediction: Things cannot get worse for many districts and while she’s not promising to fix those problems directly, there is a chance that she will not punish red suburban districts like Phil Murphy.
Criminal justice reform / bail reform
Sherrill views New Jersey’s criminal justice reforms, including the 2017 bail overhaul, as a work in progress requiring adjustments. She supports targeting bail reform for changes to address public safety concerns, such as higher detention rates for repeat offenders.
While committed to reentry services and reducing incarceration, she has criticized some Democratic policies for being too lenient, signaling a shift toward tougher enforcement.
Suburban communities worried about rising crime may find her stance pragmatic, balancing reform with accountability.
Prediction: Minor rollback of some of the major far-left anti-police policies under Murphy, but in baby steps, doing the bare minimum to appease major police unions.
Offshore wind farms
A strong proponent of offshore wind, Sherrill has championed New Jersey’s role as a global leader in renewable energy, supporting federal lease sales and projects off the coast.
She acknowledges short-term cost increases from the transition but views it as vital for clean energy goals, differing sharply from Ciattarelli’s opposition.
For coastal suburbs, her position promises job creation and climate resilience, though it has drawn criticism over marine impacts.
Prediction: Sherrill supports offshore wind, but economic realities of an industry in decline in the U.S. appear to make this issue somewhat ‘dead in the water’ during her term.
Voter ID
Sherrill opposes stringent voter ID laws, voting against the Republican-backed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which she labeled as extreme voter suppression.
She advocates for accessible voting while maintaining election integrity, without mandating additional ID requirements.
This aligns with Democratic efforts to boost turnout, particularly in diverse suburban areas, amid national debates over election security.
As governor-elect, Sherrill’s agenda prioritizes affordability and environmental progress, with her inauguration set for January 2026. Her positions reflect a blend of progressive ideals and suburban pragmatism, though implementation will face legislative scrutiny in a divided state.
Prediction: No Major Policy Change from Phil Murphy
- ‘Something Unusual Happened’ in New Jersey on Election Night Says National Pollster
Newark, NJ – Nearly every poll in New Jersey had the gubernatorial race between Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill in a dead heat through much of October and now, one major, and often reliable polling company is saying something unusual happened on election night.
A national polling firm said Thursday it is “angry and disappointed” over New Jersey’s election night results, calling the outcome “something unusual” that defied months of data and expectations.
“Something unusual happened in New Jersey,” the firm posted on X. “We’re still unpacking why.”
Quantus Insights, a leading national pollster, said its models showed Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill maintaining a modest but clear lead over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the final days before the vote.
But when ballots were counted, the results sharply diverged from nearly every survey, leaving analysts across the country searching for answers.
Key Points
- Quantus Insights said its late-October poll had Sherrill leading by 3 points statewide
- Nearly all major pollsters missed the final result by a wide margin
- The firm said turnout and demographic data on election night “made little sense”
Polling data painted a steady Sherrill lead
According to Quantus Insights, its first Labor Day poll had Sherrill up by 10 points, a figure that narrowed to just three points by late October as Ciattarelli gained among independents and energized Republicans. The firm surveyed 100,000 likely voters in its final sample, finding signs of a competitive race but not one that pointed toward a dramatic reversal. Internal models projected Sherrill winning by as much as six points.
The pollster noted little change in Hispanic voter margins from 2024 levels, and only late movement among Black voters, who largely backed Sherrill. Ciattarelli’s support among that group remained in the single digits.
Election night breaks every expectation
When results rolled in Tuesday night, both the turnout patterns and demographic breakdowns surprised political observers. Quantus said exit polls, regional vote totals, and precinct-level returns were inconsistent with pre-election expectations.
“Something unusual happened in New Jersey,” the firm posted on X. “We’re still unpacking why.”
In one notable example, Belleville — a township that is roughly half Hispanic and whose mayor endorsed Ciattarelli — delivered more than 62% of its vote to Sherrill.
Analysts see echoes of 2021 surprises
Election experts noted similarities to New Jersey’s 2021 gubernatorial race, when polls underestimated Republican strength but in reverse. This time, the polling error favored Democrats, an inversion that has deepened confusion among data analysts.
Quantus said it is conducting an internal audit of its New Jersey data, including its weighting of early voters and late deciders. The company said nearly all major pollsters “missed it at similar scale,” suggesting a possible systematic issue rather than a localized error.
Questions linger over turnout modeling
Turnout among independents and first-time midterm voters is being reexamined as a possible explanation. Analysts are also studying whether unreported changes in voter registration patterns or last-minute mobilization efforts affected the electorate.
Quantus has pledged to release a full report once its review is complete, calling the discrepancy “one of the most puzzling polling outcomes we’ve seen in years.”
- Crash on Driscoll Bridge Headlines Today’s New Jersey Morning Rush Traffic Report
TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey commuters faced a difficult Thursday morning drive as multiple crashes, disabled vehicles, and long delays clogged major highways and river crossings across the region. Heavy congestion was reported on the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, and routes leading into New York City, with travel times exceeding 45 minutes at several Hudson River crossings.
The most significant backup developed along the New Jersey Turnpike and I-95 approaching the George Washington Bridge, where a three-mile delay extended north from Exit 69 in Teaneck into Fort Lee. Both the bridge’s upper and lower levels saw 45-minute eastbound travel times from I-80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge, according to traffic officials.
Key Points
- Crashes and disabled vehicles disrupt travel across major NJ highways
- Up to 45-minute delays reported at George Washington and Lincoln tunnels
- JFK Airport’s Terminal 4 parking lot at full capacity
Garden State Parkway incidents slow northbound traffic
Two separate incidents caused significant slowdowns on the Parkway’s northbound lanes. A disabled vehicle blocked the right lane just north of the Driscoll Bridge in Woodbridge Township around 7:39 a.m., while a crash near Exit 143C in Irvington Township restricted the right shoulder earlier at 7:35 a.m.
Further north, a two-mile backup developed between Exit 144 (CR 510, Newark) and Exit 147 (Clinton Avenue, East Orange) due to heavy volume.
Accidents and hazards reported across North and Central Jersey
On US 46 in Little Falls Township, a westbound crash near Rifle Camp Road closed the left lane and shoulder shortly after 7:00 a.m. Meanwhile, earlier overnight, downed wires shut down a westbound lane on US 46 near Knowlton Road in Knowlton Township.
Other slow-moving routes included NJ 17 northbound from Lodi to Rochelle Park, NJ 21 northbound through Clifton, and NJ 4 eastbound approaching Fort Lee, where congestion persisted through the morning rush.
In Bellmawr, a disabled vehicle on the I-76 eastbound ramp to NJ 42/I-295 blocked a lane near Exit 1A.
Heavy congestion at Hudson River crossings
Delays rippled through all major Hudson River crossings. Eastbound travel at both the Lincoln Tunnel’s center and south tunnels was averaging 40 minutes from Turnpike Exit 16E to the New York side. The Holland Tunnel reported 30-minute waits from the Turnpike’s Exit 14C and NJ-139 at Tonnelle Circle.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Turnpike’s Hudson County Extension saw a two-mile eastbound delay between Interchange 14 (I-78) and the Newark Bay Bridge, feeding into the congestion heading toward the tunnels.
Parking and local road updates
At John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Terminal 4 Blue Parking Lot was reported 100% full by 7:30 a.m., leaving travelers scrambling for alternate parking options.
Drivers along NJ 29 northbound from Hamilton Township into downtown Trenton also experienced moderate delays, though all lanes remained open.
Authorities are urging motorists to allow for extra travel time and use alternate routes where possible. Traffic conditions are expected to remain heavy throughout the morning peak as cleanup crews respond to incidents and residual backups slowly clear.
Garden State Parkway
Traffic is backed up in several areas:
- Northbound near the Driscoll Bridge in Woodbridge Township: Disabled vehicle blocking the right lane (reported 7:39 a.m.).
- Northbound north of Exit 143C (NJ 124) in Irvington Township: Crash with the right shoulder blocked (7:35 a.m.).
- Northbound from Exit 144 (CR 510, Newark) to Exit 147 (Clinton Ave, East Orange): Two-mile delay due to volume (7:25 a.m.).
New Jersey Turnpike / I-95
- Northbound local and express lanes from Exit 69 (I-80, Teaneck) to the George Washington Bridge: Three-mile delay caused by bridge congestion (7:49 a.m.).
- Hudson County Extension eastbound from Interchange 14 (I-78) to east of the Newark Bay Bridge: Two-mile delay due to volume (7:16 a.m.).
- Entering at Interchange 14 (I-78/US 1&9, Newark): Delays tied to congestion on the Hudson County Extension (7:16 a.m.).
Hudson River crossings
- George Washington Bridge (upper and lower levels): Eastbound travel times are 45 minutes from I-80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge (7:40 a.m.).
- Lincoln Tunnel (center and south tunnels): Eastbound travel time is approximately 40 minutes from Turnpike Exit 16E to Manhattan (7:39 a.m.).
- Holland Tunnel (south tunnel): Eastbound delays of 30 minutes from both Turnpike Exit 14C and NJ-139 at Tonnelle Circle (7:24 a.m.).
Other major routes
- US 46 westbound (Little Falls Township): Crash near CR 633/Rifle Camp Road with left shoulder and one lane closed (7:10 a.m.).
- US 46 westbound (Knowlton Township): Downed wires east of CR 616/Knowlton Road; right lane closed (12:59 a.m.).
- US 46 eastbound (Little Falls Township): Delays from McBride Avenue to Rifle Camp Road; all lanes open (7:14 a.m.).
- NJ 17 northbound (Lodi to Rochelle Park): Heavy volume; all lanes open (7:21 a.m.).
- NJ 21 northbound (Passaic to Clifton): Slow traffic from Exit 13 (Ackerman Ave) to US 46 (7:18 a.m.).
- NJ 4 eastbound (Englewood to Fort Lee): Congestion reported, all lanes open (7:17 a.m.).
- NJ 29 northbound (Hamilton Township to Trenton): Delays continuing but all lanes open (7:30 a.m.).
- I-76 eastbound (Bellmawr): Disabled vehicle at Exit 1A (NJ 42/I-295) with a ramp lane closed (6:59 a.m.).
Regional impacts
- JFK Airport (Terminal 4 Blue Lot): Parking lot is at 100% capacity (7:30 a.m.), travelers advised to use alternate parking areas.
- Phil Murphy Just Mobilized the National Guard for Statewide State of Emergency
Trenton, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has mobilized the state’s National Guard to assist food banks as federal delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding leave hundreds of thousands of residents without benefits.
The deployment follows what Murphy called a “failure of the Trump Administration to fully and consistently fund” the critical program.
Air National Guard members began delivering refrigerated storage containers Wednesday to major food distribution centers across the state.
Key Points
- Governor Murphy ordered the New Jersey National Guard to assist food banks as SNAP benefit delays continue.
- Four refrigerated containers were deployed to expand emergency food storage in Hillside and Neptune.
- Over 800,000 New Jersey residents, nearly half of them children, rely on SNAP benefits now at risk of disruption.
Guard called in to stabilize food supply
Murphy said the move was necessary to protect families facing uncertainty over where their next meal will come from. The deployment is part of a statewide emergency response to maintain food distribution during what officials called an “unprecedented crisis.” Members of the Air National Guard delivered three refrigerated storage containers to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside and one to Fulfill in Neptune, boosting cold storage capacity at both sites.
Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, Adjutant General of New Jersey, said Guard members “stand ready to serve” and are proud to ensure families maintain access to essential nutrition.
Coordinated state response
The operation is a joint effort among the Air National Guard, the Department of Health, the Office of Emergency Management, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Together, they are coordinating logistics, storage, and transportation for perishable goods while food banks adjust to a surge in demand.
Murphy said National Guard members are also supporting on-site food distribution in Hillside, where families are lining up for basic groceries amid funding uncertainty.
Federal delays leave families in limbo
According to the state, more than 800,000 New Jerseyans depend on SNAP benefits to meet nutritional needs. Nearly half are children, one in three are people with disabilities, and one in five are over 60. With November federal benefits still unavailable, state officials say many residents could face hunger in the coming days.
It is unknown how many migrants living in New Jersey are included in those figures.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture must release contingency funds before benefits can be distributed, and state officials warn of continued gaps if federal action is delayed. Murphy said New Jersey will “continue doing everything in our power” to support food banks and help families weather the crisis.
- Threats target polling sites across seven New Jersey counties, some locations temporarily closed
Trenton, NJ – Law enforcement responded early Tuesday to emailed threats targeting polling places in multiple New Jersey counties, prompting temporary closures and heightened security as voters headed to the polls.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said officers quickly secured affected locations and reopened several after determining they were safe.
Voters at still-closed polling sites are being directed to nearby alternate locations to cast their ballots.
Key Points
- Threatening emails sent to polling places in seven New Jersey counties
- Some locations temporarily closed as law enforcement secured the sites
- Attorney General Platkin vowed swift accountability for any election interference
Threats prompt rapid police response statewide
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the emailed threats affected polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties. Local, county, and federal agencies responded throughout the morning to ensure all sites were safe for voters and poll workers.
Platkin said law enforcement acted “swiftly” to investigate each threat, with several locations already cleared and reopened to the public. Authorities have not yet provided details about the source of the emails or whether they were linked.
Officials stress public safety and election confidence
In his statement, Platkin praised the work of police officers and election staff who maintained operations amid the disruptions. “We are grateful to the brave law enforcement officers and the dedicated poll workers who are working tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said, emphasizing that voters should feel secure casting their ballots.
Investigation continues into threat origins
Officials said the ongoing investigation involves coordination between state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies. The Attorney General reiterated that any attempt to disrupt or intimidate voters would be met with prosecution. “We will not tolerate any attempts to interfere with our elections,” Platkin said.
Voters urged to stay alert and report suspicious activity
Authorities encouraged the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity by calling 911. Election officials confirmed that all polling places will remain open or have designated alternate sites to ensure uninterrupted voting access throughout the day.