New Jersey Week in Review: 10 Stories Making Headlines
NEW JERSEY — From Trenton to the Jersey Shore, state politics and government accountability drove much of the news this week. Here is a recap of 10 major stories reported by Shore News Network from Sept. 1 through Sept. 5.
- New Jersey lieutenant governor faces independent investigation
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is the subject of an independent investigation into allegations involving his conduct toward women and possible ethics violations tied to purported state-job offers. Former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino is leading the inquiry.
No findings have been announced, and Caldwell has not been charged with a crime. Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco said, “The public deserves transparency and timely information about matters of this magnitude.”
Read the full Shore News Network report
- Victim questions Ocean County’s handling of Sinnott investigation
An anonymous alleged victim told Shore News Network that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office closed its investigation into former fire chief and police officer Robert Sinnott twice. State investigators later secured a nine-count indictment involving 11 alleged victims.
“Six of us were interviewed by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office,” the man said. “Despite that, the investigation was closed—twice.”
The Prosecutor’s Office said it would not discuss the existence or nonexistence of an investigation. Sinnott has pleaded not guilty.
Read the Shore News Network exclusive
- Sherrill celebrates court victory over Trump administration
Gov. Mikie Sherrill praised a federal court’s dismissal of the Trump administration’s challenge to her order restricting immigration enforcement in nonpublic areas of state-controlled property.
“Once again, Trump tried to stop us, and once again we won,” Sherrill said.
Her statement came as ICE Newark publicized several August arrests involving foreign nationals with criminal charges or convictions in New Jersey.
Read the full Shore News Network report
- Burlington headquarters move raises concerns about New Jersey’s business climate
Burlington Stores plans to move approximately 1,600 corporate employees from Burlington Township to a new $370 million headquarters in Philadelphia. The transition is expected to begin no earlier than late 2028 or early 2029.
New Jersey Business & Industry Association President Michele Siekerka blamed the state’s taxes and business policies.
“Without major changes, we will likely see our biggest job creators look to grow elsewhere,” Siekerka said.
Read the Shore News Network business report
- Toms River school-board candidates seek $2,500 campaign sponsors
Board President Ashley Lamb, Vice President James Capone and challenger Jerry Nappi are holding a waterfront campaign fundraiser offering sponsorships costing as much as $2,500.
The fundraiser follows approval of a $306.1 million school budget, another increase in the local school-tax levy and renewal of the district’s private-school transportation agreement.
As Shore News Network put it: “Taxpayers get the backdrop.”
Read the full Shore News Network investigation
- Former Toms River officials seek lawyers during Silverton litigation
Former Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill and former Business Administrator Lou Amoruso have sought legal representation as discovery continues in Toms River’s lawsuit against Silverton First Aid Squad.
Silverton and former Council President Kevin Geoghegan are also seeking restrictions on access to deposition testimony and exhibits.
“This is not a routine motion for a protective order in a civil case,” township attorneys wrote.
Silverton and Geoghegan deny the township’s allegations involving municipal fuel and EMS billing revenue.
Read the full Shore News Network report
- Rutgers’ stunning loss becomes a taxpayer-spending controversy
Rutgers paid UMass $1.55 million to visit Piscataway, only to suffer a 37-21 loss to a team that entered the game on a 16-game losing streak.
New Jersey Assembly Republicans connected the defeat to a separate $5 million state appropriation for Rutgers.
“$5M in taxpayer money. $1.55M paid to the opponent. One historic upset,” the caucus wrote.
Read the Shore News Network sports report
- Brick moves to restrict data centers
Brick Township officials are acting before any data-center applications reach the municipality. A proposed ordinance would prevent developers from classifying data centers as warehouses, offices, utilities or other existing permitted uses.
“We want to protect Brick’s residents and families by acting now before it becomes a larger issue,” Council President Steve Feinman said.
The ordinance addresses concerns involving water and electricity consumption, noise and environmental effects.
Read the full Shore News Network report
- Lower Township man charged with attempted murder
Leshaun Davis, 20, was charged with first-degree attempted murder after investigators said multiple gunshots were fired near the Mulligan Sports Complex in Villas.
Police said nobody was struck. The Cape May County Regional SWAT Team arrested Davis during an Aug. 31 search of his home.
Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland said there was “no ongoing threat to the public.” The charges remain accusations.
Read the Shore News Network crime report
- Former Cape May County official charged in grant investigation
Anthony Robinson, a former Cape May County CBRNE Task Force director, was charged with theft and forgery following an investigation into HAZMAT training.
Investigators allege Robinson’s company billed organizations for training conducted on dates when the work was also supported by grant funding.
Chief of Detectives Daniel Holt said the investigation demonstrated the county’s commitment to protecting public funds “with complete accountability.” Robinson was released pending court proceedings.
Read the full Shore News Network report
