New Jersey News

Structure Fire Investigated in Berkeley Township Senior Community

Fire truck enroute to call.

Structure Fire Investigated in Berkeley Township

**Berkeley Twp., NJ** – On Friday at approximately 1:29 PM, Berkeley Township Police Department officers responded to a structure fire at 310 St Vincent Ct. in the Holiday City section.

The situation prompted the response of several emergency groups. Alongside the police, the Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Department, Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Department, Bayville Volunteer Fire Department, and Holiday City First Aid were dispatched to the scene.

The fire was extinguished, though it caused substantial damage to the building. Investigators from the Berkeley Township Police Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office have not found any suspicious factors in the incident.

No injuries were reported for the homeowner, but a family member received medical treatment for smoke inhalation. Residents are advised to avoid the area while the investigation is ongoing.

New Jersey AG Argues Against Trump Ceasing of Abortions for Servicemembers

New jersey ag argues against trump ceasing of abortions for servicemembers - photo licensed by shore news network.

New Jersey AG Calls for Meeting on VA Abortion Care Rule

**TRENTON, NJ** – New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a coalition of six attorneys general to request a meeting with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought. The purpose of the meeting is to urge the Trump Administration to maintain a federal rule that grants veterans and their families access to important reproductive health services, which includes abortion care.

The “Reproductive Health Services” Rule allows the VA medical benefits package and CHAMPVA to provide abortion counseling and services in cases where the patient’s life or health is at risk or in instances of self-reported rape or incest. The Trump Administration is currently reviewing this rule and has conducted meetings with various stakeholders.

Attorney General Platkin expressed concerns about the potential changes to veterans’ access to reproductive health services, stating the importance of these services for veterans. He highlighted the hardships that could result from blocking access to these crucial medical services, emphasizing the need to prevent any rollback of current regulations.

The attorneys general argue that preserving the rule is vital as it addresses healthcare gaps for veterans and families, especially regarding emergency conditions linked to pregnancy and miscarriage complications.

New Jersey Lawmaker Blames Poor Governance for Skyrocketting Energy Costs

New jersey lawmaker blames poor governance for skyrocketting energy costs - photo licensed by shore news network.

New Jersey Lawmakers Address Energy Affordability Concerns

**TRENTON, NJ** – A joint meeting of the Senate Select Committee and Assembly Communications Committee held on Friday brought the issue of energy affordability to the forefront in New Jersey. The committees examined the growing concerns over rising energy costs in the state.

Senator Latham Tiver (R-08) discussed the current energy sector challenges. He attributed the situation to Democratic policies that align with Governor Murphy’s energy plans, which include decommissioning nuclear and coal energy sources while phasing out natural gas.

Tiver stated that the increased demand for electricity, coupled with the removal of energy sources, has contributed to higher prices. He highlighted the stalled progress of initiatives like offshore wind, citing them as mismanaged and insufficient to replace decommissioned sources.

The senator described the situation as indicative of poor governance. He expressed concerns over the future affordability of energy in New Jersey.

ICE removes Philadelphia illegal alien wanted for murder in Ecuador

Ice removes philadelphia illegal alien wanted for murder in ecuador - photo licensed by shore news network.

**Philadelphia, PA -** U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Luis Gerardo Pelaez Llivichuzca, an Ecuadorian national with a final removal order who was wanted for murder in Ecuador, back to his home country on Monday. Brian McShane, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director in Philadelphia, emphasized the agency’s dedication to public safety and maintaining immigration integrity.

Pelaez was initially apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on April 20, 2010, near Kots Kug, Arizona, for unlawful entry without inspection. He was served with a notice of expedited removal two days later and transferred to ICE facilities in Arizona and Louisiana before being deported to Ecuador on June 4, 2010.

Pelaez re-entered the U.S. at an unknown time and place without legal inspection or parole. An arrest warrant for murder was issued by Ecuadorian authorities on May 31, 2018.

ICE arrested Pelaez again on February 11 during a targeted enforcement action in New York. He was then transferred to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, on February 12, where he awaited removal proceedings.