New Jersey News - Shore News Network

Bill advances to require sober homes and boarding houses to comply with local land use rules

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

TRENTON, NJ — A bill introduced in the New Jersey Senate would require certain rooming and boarding houses, including cooperative sober living residences, to comply with municipal land use regulations and obtain local approvals before receiving state licensing. Sponsored by Senators Paul D. Moriarty (D-4), Gordon M. Johnson (D-37), and co-sponsored by Senators Parker Space, Brian Stack, and Linda Greenstein, the bill amends the “Rooming and Boarding House Act of 1979” to clarify that state-regulated facilities must also meet local zoning and code requirements. Under current law, rooming and boarding houses regulated by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) are

Starting a public brawl in New Jersey could lead to stiffer penalties under new law

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

TRENTON, NJ — The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee has approved legislation that would establish a new criminal offense of inciting a public brawl and increase penalties for disorderly conduct under certain public disturbance scenarios. Senate Bill No. 3507, reported favorably with committee amendments on March 17, defines the offense of “inciting a public brawl” and revises existing statutes related to public disorder, upgrading some acts from petty offenses to higher-level crimes. Under the proposed bill, a person would be guilty of inciting a public brawl if they purposely organize or promote a group of four or more individuals to

New Jersey Bill Seeks to Incentivize Overdevelopment with School Funding

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

TRENTON, NJ — Jf you don’t allow affordable housing in New Jersey, in the future, your town can see even more school funds cut from their already stressed school budgets. That’s according to a new law being pushed by state Democrats in Trenton this week. The Assembly Appropriations Committee has approved, with amendments, Assembly Bill No. 4913, which establishes a state-run incentive program to reward municipalities that revise their local planning and zoning rules to allow for higher-density residential development using targeted housing strategies. The bill, as amended, seeks to address housing availability by offering preferential access to state-funded competitive

Ten Reasons Why Trump Picked Jack Ciattarelli Over Bill Spadea

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

This week, hardcore MAGA supporters who rallied behind former AM/FM early morning radio host Bill Spadea were left in shock, disappointed, and some even angry when President Trump endorsed Jack Ciattarelli over the hardline “MAGA” alternative. President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Jack Ciattarelli over Bill Spadea in the New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary has sent shockwaves through the New Jersey MAGAsphere. Trump’s decision, contrary to what many Spadea supporters are touting this week, was based on the President’s well-known and precise calculations for everything he does. It wasn’t because Trump was paid off. It wasn’t because Trump was misled by

Phil Murphy finally stops people from fleeing New Jersey as trains and planes come to standstill

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

Ciattarelli slams Murphy as NJ Transit strike and airport delays paralyze travel across state TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli took a swipe at Gov. Phil Murphy this week as transit and airport disruptions mounted across New Jersey, joking that Murphy has finally stopped the state’s population exodus — by halting the trains and planes that would carry them out. New Jersey, under Phil Murphy has led the nation in the number of people moving out of the state, due in part to high taxes and the governor’s failed progressive agenda. “Phil Murphy and the Trenton Democrats

Spadea under pressure to end campaign as “NJMAGA” rejects Trump endorsement

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

Trenton, NJ –– Calls are growing statewide from party chairmen to legislative leaders, to rank and file Republicans calling for alleged Trump loyalist Bill Spadea to suspend his campaign after being rejected by the President for an endorsement in the New Jersey GOP primary. Spadea, who is behind front-runner and Trump-endorsed candidate Jack Ciattarelli in every major, remains defiant. The New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary has taken a dramatic turn as former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Jack Ciattarelli has sparked growing calls for rival candidate Bill Spadea to withdraw his candidacy. The endorsement, announced earlier this week, has intensified

Bill seeks to block state from selling lottery tickets online

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Assembly State and Local Government Committee has approved a bill that would prohibit the State Lottery Commission from directly selling lottery tickets online, effectively halting plans for state-run internet lottery sales set to begin later this year. Assembly Bill No. 3759, reported favorably by the committee, reverses a 2022 rule adopted by the State Lottery Commission that authorized the Division of State Lottery to sell tickets through its website and mobile apps. Under that rule, online sales were scheduled to launch in fall 2024. If enacted, the bill would bar the State Lottery Commission,

NJ Dems Advance Bill to Release More Violent Offenders

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Assembly Regulated Professions Committee has adopted an Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill No. 375, establishing a three-year pilot program that would implement electronic monitoring of certain criminal defendants in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union counties. The initiative targets defendants charged with or convicted of serious offenses, including sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, domestic violence crimes, or violations of domestic violence restraining orders. The program requires the informed consent of the victim before a monitoring order is issued. Monitoring based on court hearing and risk assessment Under the pilot program, courts will

NJ Assembly panel advances bill requiring evaluation for pregnancy-related hypertension

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday advanced legislation aimed at improving detection and management of hypertensive disorders during and after pregnancy. The amended bill, Assembly Bill No. 1996 (1R), was reported favorably and includes several key changes made by the committee. As revised, the bill mandates that all licensed birthing centers, federally qualified health centers, and health care practitioners who provide prenatal or postpartum care within 12 weeks after childbirth adopt policies to evaluate patients showing symptoms of hypertensive disorders. These include conditions such as postpartum preeclampsia and pregnancy-related hypertension, provided the patient has not

New Jersey adds more fees to make it harder for landlords to evict deadbeat tenants

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee has approved a substitute bill combining Assembly Bill Nos. 3282 and 4964, which revises the state’s Homelessness Prevention Program and establishes a new $75 eviction filing fee for certain landlords. The bill aims to bolster eviction prevention services and expand access to housing assistance statewide. Under the proposed legislation, the Homelessness Prevention Program, originally created by the “Prevention of Homelessness Act of 1984,” will be updated and codified, including eligibility changes, loan provisions for homeowners, and funding distribution rules intended to ensure regional equity. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will

Somerset tax preparer admits to filing false returns causing $550K IRS loss

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

SOMERSET, NJ — A Somerset man has admitted to preparing fraudulent tax returns that led to more than $550,000 in losses to the Internal Revenue Service, according to court documents and statements made in court. Vito A. Pascarella, who operated a tax preparation business, submitted returns containing false wage information and fabricated business activity, prosecutors said. He reported that clients owned and operated businesses they did not have, along with false gross receipts and fictitious expenses. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Pascarella’s actions caused significant financial loss to the federal government. “In total, Pascarella caused a tax loss

NJ Transit Strike Creating Traffic Chaos in Downtown Newark

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Newark officials are advising motorists to expect traffic disruptions starting Monday as additional commuter buses may be deployed downtown due to the ongoing NJ Transit strike. Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. said that if the labor dispute is not resolved over the weekend, bus staging will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 19. Buses will line up along Mulberry Street between Market Street and Lafayette Street, and on Columbia Street between Edison Place and Lafayette Street. Traffic will also be affected near the intersection of Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard and Market Street, officials said.

Atlantic City gaming revenue rises 5 percent in April led by online gambling surge

Breaking Local News ReportMay 17, 20250

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — New Jersey’s total gaming revenue rose to $536.6 million in April, a 5.0% increase over the same month last year, according to figures released Friday by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The state’s nine casino hotels reported $211.0 million in traditional Casino Win, a 2.7% drop from the $216.8 million posted in April 2024. Year-to-date Casino Win totaled $855.4 million, down 2.0% compared to the same period last year. Internet gaming continued its upward trajectory, with online casinos and their partners reporting $235.2 million in April, a 25.2% increase from April 2024. For the

Replica airsoft device found at Cherokee High School, no threat reported

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

EVESHAM, NJ — An airsoft-style device was discovered on the grounds of Cherokee High School on Friday afternoon, prompting a swift response from school staff and the Evesham Police Department, officials confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m., when the item was located on school property. Authorities determined the device was non-lethal and resembled a replica-style item commonly used in recreational settings. In a statement to parents and guardians, Cherokee High School Principal Donna Charlesworth said, “The item was secured without any threat to students or staff safety.” She added that the school followed established safety protocols and the

Jackson council meeting rescheduled due to election day

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

TOWNSHIP OF JACKSON COUNTY OF OCEAN NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED MEETINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the meetings of the Jackson Township Council originally scheduled for June 10, 2025, consisting of an Executive (Closed) Session at 6:00 PM and a Regular Meeting at 6:30 PM, have been rescheduled. The rescheduled meetings will be held on June 12, 2025, at the Jackson Township Municipal Building, located at 95 West Veterans Highway, Jackson, New Jersey. The Executive (Closed) Session will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by the Regular Meeting at 6:30 PM. Formal action may be taken. Municipal Clerk Sandra F. Martin, RMC,

New Jersey man gets 8 years in prison for attacking pregnant fiance

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. — A Cape May man has been sentenced to eight years in New Jersey State Prison after pleading guilty to a violent domestic assault on his then-pregnant fiancé, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland announced Friday. John P. Linnington, 33, was sentenced in Cape May County Superior Court by Judge Bernard E. DeLury following a March 21 guilty plea to first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault by strangulation on a domestic violence victim, and third-degree contempt of a judicial order. The charges stem from an investigation by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special

New commercial targets Bill Spadea’s anti-MAGA policy stances

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

A new campaign ad by Kellyanne Conway’s Kitchen Table Conservatives is highlighting New Jersey candidate for Governor, Bill Spadea’s past calls for higher taxes, increased tolls, beach fees and a New Jersey congestion tax. If tolls are your number one issue, New Jersey isn’t the state for you. That is essentially what Spadea said about a proposed toll hike on the Atlantic City Expressway. Instead of raising it a few cents, Spadea called for an $8.25 cent tax on entering Atlantic City. As the New Jersey gubernatorial race intensifies, candidate Bill Spadea’s tax policy positions have come under scrutiny. Spadea,

Toms River Council Candidates Get Into Downtown Barroom Scuffle

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Shortly after Toms River council candidate Anthony Ricotta was spotted downtown with a camera crew, led by development lobbyist George Gilmore, it was reported that he got into a shouting match with another candidate for office at a nearby bar. Ricotta, who is Gilmore’s chosen candidate for Toms River Council was later seen with Gilmore and the Ocean County Young Republicans at a nearby bar (name withheld for the business). According to Paul C. Williams, a Democrat candidate running against Ricotta, who also happened to be in the same bar, Ricotta’s mother ran up to Williams

Ocean County law enforcement honors fallen officers at annual memorial

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

MANCHESTER, N.J. — Law enforcement officers from across Ocean County gathered Friday to mark the 34th Annual Ocean County Law Enforcement Memorial Day Observance, honoring those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The ceremony, held on May 16, brought together officers, family members, and local officials to pay tribute at the Ocean County Honor Roll memorial. The Manchester Township Police Department was among those in attendance. This year’s remembrance specifically honored Patrolman Robert Tobias, whose End of Watch was May 17, 1975, and Corporal Scott Thompson, who died in the line of duty on April 10, 2015.

New Jersey Congresswoman Faces Potential Federal Assault Charges After Incident at ICE Facility

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, representing New Jersey’s 10th District, could soon face federal assault charges following a chaotic confrontation at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark. The incident, which unfolded last week, has sparked controversy and drawn national attention to the freshman lawmaker’s actions during what she described as a routine oversight visit. McIver, alongside Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and fellow Democratic Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, arrived at Delaney Hall, a recently reopened immigration detention center, to inspect conditions and ensure compliance with federal standards. Tensions escalated when federal agents arrested Baraka

Murphy, NJ Transit CEO Announce Contingency Plans Amid Rail Strike

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

MATAWAN, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy and NJ Transit President & CEO Kris Kolluri on Friday addressed the impact of the ongoing rail strike, confirming that all NJ Transit rail service is suspended statewide. A limited contingency bus operation will begin Monday morning. Murphy criticized the decision by locomotive engineers to strike instead of continuing contract negotiations. Kolluri stated that while negotiations will resume over the weekend, NJ Transit is preparing to support affected commuters through a temporary network of buses and station assistance personnel. The strike follows a March 10 tentative agreement that was not ratified by the Brotherhood

Hail and Waterspout Warning Issued for Ocean County Region of Atlantic Ocean

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Special Marine Warning for sections of the Jersey Shore coastline, warning of hazardous marine weather conditions including the possibility of pea-sized hail and waterspouts. The warning is in effect through Friday afternoon. Affected areas include the waters from Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Inlet, extending 20 to 40 nautical miles offshore, as well as the coastal waters within 20 nautical miles of the same region. The warning also covers waters from Great Egg Inlet to Cape May, also 20 to 40 nautical miles offshore. Wind speeds

Dem Leader Appears Shocked to Learn Murphy Policies Have Made Life in New Jersey Unaffordable for Many

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. — A top New Jersey Democrat acknowledged this week that the state’s cost of living has surged in recent years and pledged to prioritize affordability in ongoing budget negotiations. Assembly Budget Chair Asw. Pintor Marin’s remarks come as residents face increased prices across housing, insurance, groceries, and utility bills, with critics citing the cumulative impact of progressive policies, rising energy costs, and stalled wind energy projects under Gov. Phil Murphy and President Joe Biden. “Affordability is very important. It affects everyone. It’s not one of those issues that only affects a certain percentage,” the Democratic leader said. “I’m

Brick GOP leaders urged to resign amid payments to club leaders, husband of board president

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

BRICK, NJ — Leading members of the Brick Republican Club are facing growing pressure to resign following allegations of questionable campaign expenditures tied to the 2023 election cycle. Calls for the resignation of Ruthanne Scaturro and Marc Vasquez, both of whom have served in executive roles within the organization, have intensified as internal concerns mount over payments made during and after the campaign. Vasquez, listed as president, was reportedly paid nearly $20,000 in consulting fees, including a $1,000 payment for his involvement on Election Day. Scaturro serves as president of the Brick GOP Club. She is also vice-chairwoman of the

Diamond Dance Academy named Jackson business spotlight for May

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

JACKSON, NJ — Diamond Dance Academy has been selected as Jackson Township’s Small Business Highlight for the month of May, Councilman Giuseppe Palmeri announced this week. Palmeri visited the studio to celebrate the recognition, spending time with owner Iris, several dancers, and parents involved with the academy. The councilman praised the academy’s role in the community and commended its contributions to youth development and the arts. “It was great spending time with Iris, many talented dancers, and some of the wonderful parents from Diamond Dance Academy,” Palmeri said. “Congratulations to Iris and the entire team on this well-deserved recognition.” Diamond