Residents of 12 New Jersey counties federally approved for disaster assistance due to the floodwaters of Ida now have about a month more to apply for that aid, according to a release Wednesday from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA said the deadline for homeowners and renters to complete individual assistance applications regarding damage and losses is extended to Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.
The previous deadline was to have been next Thursday, Nov. 4.
The eligible New Jersey counties are Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union, and Warren.
According to FEMA, the federal funds can be used toward rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses, or other damages not covered by insurance.
As of the first month of open applications, FEMA reported it approved $88.5 million for 18,932 New Jersey families, part of $175.8 million in total aid cleared through Oct. 5 in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Flood Insurance Program.
To apply, call 800-621-3362, download the FEMA mobile app, or go to disasterassistance.gov.
Incredible, heartbreaking images of Ida’s damage in New Jersey
In just a few hours the remnants from Ida spawned three tornadoes, dropped between 8 and 10 inches of rain, left over two dozen people dead and plunged thousands into darkness.
These are the 25 Best Places To Live in New Jersey
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in New Jersey using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
The new law protects certain tenants from eviction based on nonpayment of rent, habitual late payment of rent, or failure to accept a rent increase. We’ll refer to these three grounds of eviction collectively as “rental debt.”
If your household income is below 120% of the area median income (“AMI”) for your county, you are forever protected from eviction based on rental debt that came due between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021, but you must file a certification to get this protection. See below.
If your household income is below 80% of the AMI for your county, and you meet certain other criteria (see below), you are forever protected from eviction based on rental debt that came or will come due between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, but you must file a certification to get this protection. See below.
Can my landlord collect my rental debt another way?
Yes! Your landlord can still sue you in court to collect the rent you did not pay during these periods, but your landlord cannot evict you because of your rental debt. Your landlord cannot sue you for any rent that was paid by the government or a nonprofit providing rental assistance.
How Do I Self-Certify?
You can complete the self-certification by going to https://covid19.nj.gov/renter. This site will guide you through a series of questions to determine whether you are eligible for eviction protection based on your household income. You don’t need to know your AMI to complete the form; the computer will calculate that for you once you enter your county of residence and the combined income of all adult members of your household.
To qualify for protection from eviction based on rental debt that will come due through December 31, 2021, your household income must be below 80% of AMI (which the computer will calculate), and you’ll need to certify that you suffered hardship due to COVID-19 and that you have applied for rental assistance. If you have not suffered hardship due to COVID-19 and/or you have not applied for rental assistance, you can answer “no” to those questions and still complete and submit the certification. You may still be eligible for protection from eviction based on rental debt that came due between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021.
You shouldcomplete the Income self-certification form onlineas soon as possible, whether or not your landlord has filed an eviction action against you. If you are not able to complete the form online, you can call609-490-4550for assistance. The State has posted FAQs about the self-certification process here.
What Protection Do I Get?
If you complete and submit a self-certification showing that you are eligible for protection, your landlord cannot evict youbased on rental debt that came due between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021, or, if you are a qualifying lower-income person, that will come duethrough December 31, 2021. This protection from eviction is permanent; so long as you complete a qualifying self-certification, your landlord can never evict you based on rent you did not pay during the applicable covered period.
The court must dismiss eviction actions based on rental debt—unpaid rent, habitual late payment of rent, or refusal to accept a rent increase—during the applicable covered period.
Who Is Not Protected?
If you owe rent from before March 1, 2020, your landlord can go to court to get an eviction order based on that unpaid rent.
If you owe rent that came due after August 31, 2021, and you don’t qualify for protection from eviction based on rental debt that comes due through December 31, 2021, your landlord can go to court to get an eviction order based on that unpaid rent
If your income is more than 120% of AMI, your landlord can go to court to get an eviction order based on whatever rent you owe.
If your landlord is trying to evict you for reasons other than nonpayment, habitual late payment, or failure to pay a rent increase, the court can enter an eviction order if the landlord proves other “good cause” for the eviction under state law.
New Jersey tenants may get protection from eviction only under state law at this point. On August 26, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States ended the federal eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If I applied for rental assistance, do I still have to self-certify?
Yes! Depending on your circumstances, you should do both, and it’s probably best to apply for rental assistance first (see below). Filling out a self-certification can protect you from eviction based on rental debt that came due during certain periods. Completing a rental assistance application can get you financial help to pay the rent. The applications are not the same.
What if my landlord locks me out illegally?
It is a crime for your landlord to lock you out. Under New Jersey law, only the courts can order evictions, and only government officials can remove you from your home. If your landlord locks you out, call the local police. They are required to help you get back into your home. The New Jersey Attorney General has issued guidance to law enforcement on their obligations in responding to illegal lockouts. You can show this to police who may not understand their role.
What if I live in a hotel/motel? Can I be evicted now?
Maybe. Under Executive Order 249, the state eviction moratorium does not apply to rooms rented to a “transient guest or seasonal tenant.” However, longtime hotel and motel residents, along with many others, are not considered “transient” or “seasonal” and should be treated the same as any other tenant under the new law. See above.
Yes. Rent is still due, and you should pay if you can. Even if you are eligible for protection from eviction under the new state law, your landlord can sue you to collect any rent that you owe. If you get assistance from the government or a nonprofit in paying the rent, you will not owe what is paid on your behalf.
Is rental assistance available?
Yes. There is substantial government funding available to assist tenants struggling to pay their rent. The NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is administering several new rental assistance programs, and you can apply for them through the same online site.
How do I apply? Go to https://njdca.onlinepha.com and follow the instructions to submit a pre-application. You must apply online at this site. No paper applications will be accepted. You must have an email address to apply. If you have a disability, limited English proficiency, or limited internet access, you can call 609-490-4550 for help. A friend, family member, or organization can also help you apply. You may also be able to get help from certified HUD housing counselors through Housing Help NJ.
What rental assistance is available? Depending on your eligibility, assistance is available for both back-rent you owe and rent you will owe in the coming months.
How will recipients be chosen? By computerized lottery. Every pre-application submitted will have an equal chance of being selected.
Can I apply if I have or have had other rental assistance? Yes, but the state seeks to avoid duplication by permitting a household to receive only one type of assistance for any given month.
Can my landlord refuse to cooperate or accept the funds? No. It is a violation of NJ Law Against Discrimination for a landlord not to accept payments or complete the necessary paperwork.
Can my landlord charge late fees for the rent payments I missed? If your landlord receives state or federal funds to help cover your missed rent, your landlord may not charge late fees for the period during which your landlord receives such funds.
What is Nan McKay & Associates? Nan McKay & Associates is the contractor working with the state to implement this program. If you receive communications from Nan McKay, respond!
If I self-certified to get protection from eviction, does that count as an application for rental assistance? No! The two application processes are different. The self-certification can get you protection from eviction. The rental assistance application can help you cover the rent. You should apply for both, and it’s probably best to start by applying for rental assistance.
Other rental assistance. The new law requires DCA to establish an Office of Eviction Prevention. Among other responsibilities, the Office is charged with compiling, publicizing and updating information relating to all federal, state, local, and other sources of financial assistance for residential tenants facing eviction. Until the Office of Eviction Prevention’s website is up and running, you can check the DCA website for summaries of rental assistance programs, and you can use the DCAid portal to see if you are eligible. The DCA website also offers some general answers to questions about rental assistance.
COURT PROCEEDINGS
Are the courts accepting cases that landlords file against tenants?
Yes. Landlords are permitted to file eviction complaints against tenants, and the courts accepted these filings even when most trials were not being scheduled. You may therefore receive an eviction complaint in the mail and/or posted at your residence.
Is the court holding pretrial conferences? Do I have to attend them?
Yes, if you receive a notice for a pretrial conference you must attend.
On July 14, 2021, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued a Notice and series of Orders announcing changes to the landlord-tenant process. The new process involves meetings among court staff, landlords, and tenants before trial (“pretrial conferences”). In general, these meetings are remote (by videoconference or telephone), not in person. If you do not have access to the technology or equipment necessary to participate in a remote proceeding, you can call your county courthouse and ask to use a “technology room.” You can also ask to appear in-person.
The pretrial conferences have several purposes. New staff in the courts, called “landlord-tenant (LT) specialists,” will try to learn the status of the case. The LT specialists will refer tenants to sites where they can self-certify for protection from eviction and apply for rental assistance if that makes sense. The LT specialists can also refer unrepresented parties for legal help. And the LT specialists can help parties settle their cases if both the landlord and the tenant voluntarily agree to a settlement.
If you are a tenant and you receive a notice from the court directing you to appear at a pretrial conference by telephone or video, you should:
Remember that you must participate in the settlement conference at the scheduled time! If you do not show up, a judge will hear from only the landlord.
You do not have to settle your case at this conference. If you cannot reach an agreement with your landlord, the court will schedule a trial for a later date.
Is the court holding eviction trials?
Sometimes and in some counties. The courts have been scheduling certain kinds of eviction trials for many months, including those where the landlord claims to have proof that the eviction is necessary to protect the safety of other tenants or of the property.
Under the July 14, 2021, Notice and Orders, it seems other eviction trials were set to resume on or after September 1, 2021, but not all counties have restarted such trials.
Under the new process, most trials will be held remotely (by videoconference or telephone). Again, if you do not have access to the technology or equipment necessary to participate in a remote proceeding, you can call your county courthouse and ask to use a “technology room” or ask to appear in-person.
Can I still get emergency repairs in my apartment?
You always have a right to safe and decent housing. If you have concerns about issues such as inadequate heat, exposure to lead, infestations, leaks, crumbling walls and ceilings, or other hazardous conditions, you should ask your landlord in writing to make repairs (keep a copy). If repairs are not made quickly, you can call 2-1-1, contact the state Bureau of Housing Inspection, or call your municipality to report the problem. Due to COVID-19, code enforcement agencies may still be working with limited staff, and it may take longer to get repairs or inspections. As an alternative, if you can manage the repairs on your own, and your landlord fails to respond to your requests for repairs, you can make them or pay someone to make them. You can then withhold the money you spent on repairs from your rent (save all receipts for the repairs!).
If I’m in a HUD-subsidized unit, do I get any special protections in eviction proceedings?
Yes. Tenants in HUD-subsidized properties get a range of special protections in eviction proceedings. Under a new rule, your landlord cannot file an eviction action against you for nonpayment of rent unless the landlord has given you 30 days’ notice that includes information about the availability of federal emergency rental assistance. The rule applies when the federal government has allocated funds for rental assistance in response to the declaration of a national emergency, such as COVID-19.
ELECTRICITY, GAS, WATER
Can my utilities, water, phone, and internet be shut off during the COVID-19 crisis?
In general, not until January 1, 2022.Executive Order 229, which suspended residential utility and water shutoffs, ended on June 30, 2021, but in Executive Order 246, the Governor announced a state-ordered “grace period” through December 31, 2021. During this grace period,
Utilities are not allowed to shut off gas, water, or electricity.
Telecommunications providers are not allowed to shut off residential internet service currently being used by school-aged children for educational purposes.
After the grace period ends on December 31, 2021, a gas, electric, water, internet, or voice service provider must offer to enroll a customer in specified payment plans before shutting off service, and may not shut off services to a customer who makes the required payments. Moreover, the end of the grace period will fall during the state’s annual winter utility service shutoff ban, which protects certain vulnerable families from utility shutoffs from November 15 to March 15 each year.
Do I still have to pay for utilities, water, phone, and internet?
Yes. You still have to pay whatever electric, gas, water, phone, or internet bills you normally pay. If you cannot pay now, you will have to pay later. Assistance with utility bills is available through the same application process DCA uses to administer rental assistance: https://njdca.onlinepha.com/. In addition, DCA offers low-income tenants assistance with some utility bills through other programs. You can also call the customer service number on your utility bill, or look up the number here, to try to work out a payment plan; or you can check the website of the Board of Public Utilities for a list of agencies that offer assistance.
This document is for informational purposes only, is not intended as legal advice, and does not substitute for consulting with a lawyer about specific facts and circumstances. This document does not constitute a solicitation, and your use of this document does not create any attorney-client relationship between you and Lowenstein Sandler.Low-income tenants should contact their legal services offices for assistance, as Lowenstein Sandler accepts pro bono matters only through referrals from our legal services partners. The firm does not otherwise represent individual tenants in residential eviction matters.
New Jersey on Wednesday reported another 33 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and 1,034 cases along with 11 new in-school outbreaks that led to 57 cases among staff and students.
The state’s seven-day average for confirmed positive tests dropped to 1,143, the lowest since Aug. 6. The average is down 8% from a week ago and 36% from a month ago.
The statewide rate of transmission remained the same at 0.83 on Wednesday. Any transmission rate below 1 indicates that each infected person is passing the virus to less than one other person and the outbreak is no longer expanding.
There were 792 people hospitalized with confirmed (740) or suspected (52) coronavirus cases, though one of the state’s 71 hospitals did not provide data Tuesday night. There were 97 patients discharged in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday night. Of those hospitalized, 196 were in intensive care, with 96 of them on ventilators.
The statewide positivity rate for tests conducted Saturday, the most recent day available, was 5.2%.
New Jersey’s numbers are steadily improving, though officials have warned that weather keeps getting colder and the holiday season is approaching, which will force more people to gather indoors and could cause another bump in the numbers.
More than 6 million people who live, work or study in New Jersey — a state of about 9.2 million residents — have now been fully vaccinated. Murphy has said more than 75% of those eligible in the state have been fully vaccinated.
More than 6.9 million people in the state have received at least one dose, and about 430,000 people have received third doses or boosters. That number is likely to go up after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced an expansion in the eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots last week.
“If you’re in your window of eligibility for your booster shot, please go get it,” Murphy said. “Get the added protection.”
In addition, the state is preparing for the expected approval of the Pfizer vaccine for kids between the ages of 5 and 11. New Jersey has 760,000 children in that age group and the state has ordered 205,000 doses of the pediatric Pfizer vaccine, which is a lower dose than for those for 12 and over.
From Oct. 4 to 10, the state had 12,633 positive tests. Of those, 2,766 were from fully vaccinated people that led to 24 hospitalizations (out of 734 total) and one death (out of 124 total).
“These numbers represent a slim minority of the total, thank god, hospitalizations and deaths reported for the week,” Murphy said.
Twelve of New Jersey’s 21 counties are listed as having “high” rates of coronavirus transmission, while seven are listed with “substantial” transmission, according to the CDC. The CDC is recommending that all people in the high and substantial transmission counties wear masks for indoor public settings regardless of vaccination status.
In Essex and Union counties where moderate transmission has been reported, the recommendation is indoor masking for those who are not vaccinated.
Through the first several weeks of the school year, districts in New Jersey have reported at least 137 in-school outbreaks, for a total of 715 cases as of Wednesday. That’s an increase of 11 outbreaks from the previous week.
“These 11 new outbreaks have been tied to 49 additional student cases and eight new cases among educators and staff,” Murphy said during a coronavirus briefing in Trenton. “This is a significant decrease from last week’s report.”
The state reported 30 new outbreaks the previous week. Every county except Burlington and Warren have reported at least one in-school outbreak. The total of 715 cases is cumulative and does not reflect active cases.
In-school outbreaks are defined as three or more cases that are determined through contact tracing to have been transmitted among staff or students while at school. They do not include total cases among staff and students.
New Jersey, an early epicenter of the pandemic, has now reported 27,929 total COVID-19 deaths since the start of the outbreak — 25,115 confirmed and 2,814 considered probable, according to the state dashboard.
New Jersey has reported 1,037,478 total confirmed cases out of the more than 15.8 million PCR tests conducted since it announced its first case March 4, 2020. The state has also reported 155,723 positive antigen or rapid tests, which are considered probable cases.
At least 8,622 of the state’s COVID-19 deaths have been among residents and staff members at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, according to state data. There are active outbreaks at 157 facilities, resulting in 712 current cases among residents and 648 among staffers.
As of Wednesday, there have been more than 244 million positive COVID-19 cases reported across the world, according to Johns Hopkins University, with more than 4.9 million people having died due to the virus. The U.S. has reported the most cases (more than 45.6 million) and deaths (more than 739,000) of any nation.
There have been more than 6.8 billion vaccine doses administered globally.
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Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration now denies there are plans for “a blanket COVID-19 vaccine mandate” if Murphy is re-elected.
The conservative activist group “Project Veritas” released a secretly recorded video showing Murphy campaign aides saying that the governor would impose broader vaccine mandates after the election is over.
Late last night, the governor’s office released a statement to The Lakewood Scoop website saying, “The administration has never had plans, nor is it making plans, for a blanket Covid-19 vaccine mandate.”
Wendy Martinez, a consultant hired to work on Murphy’s campaign, is seen and heard on video saying there would definitely be a mandate.
“He is going to do it, but he couldn’t do it before the elections. Because of the independents and the undecided,” Martinez says in Spanish, later adding that “right now is about him winning.”
Matthew Urquijo, manager of a coordinated campaign called Forward 2021, which is funded by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, said Murphy is waiting to act to avoid angering swing voters.
Urquijo is heard saying, “Because, you know, for some people, that’s going to piss them off. I think once, you know, we have a win, he’s like, ‘Alright, guns blazing, like, who cares, I’m in it. Let’s do the mandates, let’s do this, X, Y, and Z.’”
The statement to The Lakewood Scoop claims, “This video does not depict any member of the administration, or anyone involved in public health policy.”
When the video was initially released, the Murphy campaign did not deny the assertions made by the campaign aides. In a statement, the campaign attacked the methods used by Project Veritas to obtain the video.
Murphy has not personally commented on the video. He is scheduled to hold his regular COVID briefing at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions
Vaccinations for COVID-19 began being administered in the U.S. on Dec. 14, 2020. The quick rollout came a little more than a year after the virus was first identified in November 2019. The impressive speed with which vaccines were developed has also left a lot of people with a lot of questions. The questions range from the practical—how will I get vaccinated?—to the scientific—how do these vaccines even work?
Keep reading to discover answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions.
Early voting locations in each NJ county
Each county in the state will have between three and 10 early voting locations, open daily for the 2021 general election from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31. The sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for Sundays, when they will close at 6 p.m.
As the number of COVID infections increases in New Jersey schools, state health officials are welcoming news the FDA is on the verge of approving a vaccine for kids as young as 5.
An FDA advisory panel has approved child sized doses of the Pfizer vaccine that is a third the size of the dose given to the adults and teens. The panel reviewed study data that shows the smaller dose is 91% effective in kids as young as 5.
The FDA is not bound by the committees findings, but has typically gone along with their recommendations in approving usage guidelines for COVID vaccines. Drug regulators are expected to give their approval to the regimen in a matter of days.
If approved on that schedule, children between the ages of 5 and 11 could begin receiving their COVID vaccinations as early as the end of next week.
According to the state’s COVID dashboard, there have been 126 cumulative outbreaks in New Jersey schools through the middle of October effecting over 600 students and staff members.
However, the actual numbers of infections and exposures is likely much higher due to the way the state has schools report on COVID infections. Any infection or transmission off school property is not included in the official numbers.
The state has changed the reporting guidelines to include all infections and transmissions, regardless of where it took place, in school reports going forward.
Governor Phil Murphy promised an aggressive campaign to vaccinate New Jersey’s children as soon as the FDA gives the green light. “We will be ready as we have been at every step of the way in terms of the vaccinations,” Murphy said during last week’s COVID briefing.
Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli noted the increase in COVID infections in school. “We want kids from 5 to 11 to get vaccinated, “Persichilli said, “That’s the way we’re going to keep kids in school and keep them safe and keep them able to play sports, gather with their friends in safe environments.”
The plan is to make the vaccine available in multiple locations, including pediatricians’ offices and possibly in the schools themselves.
Persichilli noted 57% of Jersey kids between the ages of 12 and 17 have been vaccinated, with efforts continuing to increase that number.
Answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions
Vaccinations for COVID-19 began being administered in the U.S. on Dec. 14, 2020. The quick rollout came a little more than a year after the virus was first identified in November 2019. The impressive speed with which vaccines were developed has also left a lot of people with a lot of questions. The questions range from the practical—how will I get vaccinated?—to the scientific—how do these vaccines even work?
Keep reading to discover answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions.
Goosebumps and other bodily reactions, explained
Early voting locations in each NJ county
Each county in the state will have between three and 10 early voting locations, open daily for the 2021 general election from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31. The sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for Sundays, when they will close at 6 p.m.
NEW JERSEY — Below you will find the most up-to-date information on coronavirus news impacting New Jersey. You can find additional resources and coverage on our coronavirus page.
Moderna says its low-dose COVID shot safe, effective for kids 6 to 11
FDA says Pfizer COVID vaccine looks effective for young kids
Federal health regulators said late Friday, Oct. 22, that kid-size doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine appear highly effective at preventing symptomatic infections in elementary school children and caused no unexpected safety issues, as the U.S. weighs beginning vaccinations in youngsters.
NJ among top vaccinated states in U.S.
New Jersey is among the top 10 states in the country with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates at 74%. Helping to lead the charge is Paterson, which has a 90% vaccination rate.
COVID vaccine mandate for state workers, teachers begins
Many state employees returned to in-person work on Monday, Oct. 18, the same day Gov. Phil Murphy’s requirement for them to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to regular virus testing went into effect. The vaccine or test mandate also applies to teachers in New Jersey.
IRS sending October installment of child tax credit after delay in September
Families across the country are starting to receive their October child tax credit. The IRS says the program’s fourth monthly payment is already hitting Americans’ bank accounts after a technical issue last month caused delays for some recipients.
New COVID safety guidance for the holidays released by the CDC
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released updated COVID-19 safety guidance for the holiday season on Friday, Oct. 15, including getting vaccinated, wearing a mask indoors if you’re not vaccinated and avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
Rutgers team tries to understand ‘brain fog’ COVID connection
Dr. William Hu, the Chief of the Division of Cognitive Neurology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, is leading a team trying to figure out what brain fog is and how it’s connected to COVID-19.
FDA endorsement essentially calls for Johnson & Johnson to be 2-shot vaccine
An FDA panel unanimously recommended a Johnson and Johnson booster vaccine on Friday, Oct. 15. The terms of the endorsement essentially call for the J&J COVID-19 vaccine to be a two-dose shot, rather than the one-dose shot for which it’s been known since it first got emergency use authorization last spring.
The panel called for a second shot to be available to people 18 and older, at least two months after the first shot.
FDA panel recommends Moderna booster shot, but the process isn’t over
A panel of medical experts affiliated with the Food and Drug Administration endorsed a COVID vaccine booster from Moderna on Thursday, Oct. 14. The panel recommended a half dose as a booster.
Need to be vaccinated by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas? Here are the deadlines
People who want to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas are running out of time. Two of the three vaccines available in the U.S. require two doses spread weeks apart and a waiting period once the shots have been administered.
Vice President Kamala Harris visits NJ day care, vaccination site
Vice President Kamala Harris made a stop in New Jersey on Friday, Oct. 8, to discuss the state’s latest vaccination efforts. She visited a day care center to highlight child care provisions in the president’s spending proposal as well as a vaccination site at Essex Community College.
Children will feel impact of pandemic on mental health for years: UNICEF report
UNICEF released a critical report on Friday, Oct. 8, which found that children and young people could feel the impact of the pandemic on their mental health for many years to come.
COVID vaccine for kids: Doctor answers your questions
The Pfizer vaccine for kids could be on the market in about a month after the drug maker filed for FDA authorization Thursday, Oct. 7, for their shot for kids ages 5 to 11.
However, many parents still have questions about the children’s COVID vaccine. Dr. Sallie Permar, the head of pediatrics at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, joined the PIX11 Morning News on Friday, Oct. 8, to share more information and answer some of the biggest questions.
Pfizer’s request to OK shots for kids a relief for parents
Parents tired of worrying about classroom outbreaks and sick of telling their elementary school-age children no to sleepovers and family gatherings felt a wave of relief Thursday, Oct. 7, when Pfizer asked the U.S. government to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for youngsters ages 5 to 11.
U.S. hits 700,000 COVID deaths just as cases begin to fall
The United States reached its latest heartbreaking pandemic milestone Friday, Oct. 1, eclipsing 700,000 deaths from COVID-19 just as the surge from the delta variant is starting to slow down and give overwhelmed hospitals some relief.
NJ leaders take on ‘Mayors Vaccine Challenge’
Two New Jersey mayors are going head-to-head in an effort to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19. It’s all part of the ongoing vaccination campaign in the Garden State that has already propelled it as one of the nation’s leaders in the fight against COVID-19. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh is squaring off with Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora in what the state is calling the “Mayors Vaccine Challenge.”
New Jersey surpasses 1 million COVID-19 cases
As of Tuesday, Sept. 28, more than 1 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in New Jersey since the pandemic reached the state in 2020.
Pfizer submits vaccine data on kids to FDA
Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE announced they have submitted initial data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from the Phase 2/3 trial of their COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11.
In the trial, which included 2,268 participants 5 to 11 years of age, the vaccine demonstrated a favorable safety profile and elicited robust neutralizing antibody responses using a two-dose regimen of 10 μg doses.
NJ offers $500 ‘return to work bonus’ to unemployed residents
Unemployed New Jersey residents could earn a $500 bonus to return to the workforce as part of a new program announced by Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday, Sept. 27. The “Return and Earn” initiative will offer the one-time bonus to folks who secure a job through the program, including positions that require on-the-job training.
Is it safe to trick-or-treat this Halloween? CDC weighs in
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on Face the Nation that kids can trick-or-treat safely this year, adding, “If you’re able to be outdoors, absolutely.”
CDC director overrules panel, backs booster for all adults in high-risk jobs
The panel had voted against saying that people ages 18 to 64 can get a booster if they are health-care workers or have another job that puts them at increased risk of being exposed to the virus.
Walensky disagreed and put that recommendation back in, noting that such a move aligns with an FDA booster authorization decision earlier this week.
FDA OKs Pfizer COVID-19 boosters for 65 and older, high-risk Americans
The FDA authorized booster doses for Americans who are 65 and older, younger people with underlying health conditions and those in jobs that put them at high-risk for COVID-19. The ruling represents a drastically scaled back version of the Biden administration’s sweeping plan to give third doses to nearly all American adults to shore up their protection amid the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.
J&J booster shot 94% effective 2 months after 1st dose
Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday, Sept. 21, said new data shows a second dose — or a booster shot — of their one-shot COVID vaccine was found to be 94% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 when given two months after the initial dose.
Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine works in kids ages 5 to 11
Pfizer said Monday, Sept. 20, its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11 and that it will seek U.S. authorization for this age group soon — a key step toward beginning vaccinations for youngsters.
Vaccine mandate for child care facilities
Gov. Phil Murphy said all child care workers and facility employees need to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1 or face regular weekly testing. As of Sept. 24, all employees, students and children in a facility’s care ages two and up will need to wear masks indoors, with limited exceptions.
Moderna vaccine is most effective against hospitalization from COVID-19: study
A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compared how effective each of the three COVID-19 vaccines are in preventing hospitalization from the virus. The CDC reported that effectiveness was higher for the Moderna vaccine (93%) than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (88%) and the J&J vaccine (71%).
New Jersey surpassed as state with highest rate of COVID deaths
Mississippi has surpassed New Jersey as the state with the highest rate of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S., with roughly 1 of every 320 Mississippians having succumbed to the coronavirus.
COVID-19 is ‘getting better’ at becoming airborne virus
Recent COVID-19 variants are much more adept at airborne transmission than the original version of the coronavirus, according to a new study. University of Maryland researchers analyzed the Alpha variant first identified in the United Kingdom and discovered that carriers breathe out 43 to 100 times more infectious viral aerosols than those infected with the original strain.
U.S. panel backs Pfizer COVID-19 boosters only for 65 and over, high-risk
An influential federal advisory panel overwhelmingly rejected a plan to give Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to most Americans, but it endorsed the extra shots for those who are 65 or older or run a high risk of severe disease.
COVID outbreaks in NJ schools
As of Wednesday, Sept. 15, there were six outbreaks in New Jersey schools, according to Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli. An outbreak is defined as at least three cases that are epidemiologically connected and not from the same household.
The cases are a mix of students and staff, Persichilli said. More information will be released on the state Health Department website in the coming days.
COVID-19 variants significantly reduce protection of vaccines, prior infection: study
A new study confirms that vaccinations and even prior COVID-19 infection provide significantly less protection against newer variants. Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University say in order to protect against the Alpha, Beta, and now Delta variants, these findings stress the importance of doubling down on both vaccinations and public health measures during the pandemic.
Mask debate moves from school boards to courtrooms
The rancorous debate over whether returning students should wear masks in the classroom has moved from school boards to courtrooms. In at least 14 states, lawsuits have been filed either for or against masks in schools. In some cases, normally rule-enforcing school administrators are finding themselves fighting state leaders in the name of keeping kids safe.
Supreme Court allows evictions to resume during pandemic
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority is allowing evictions to resume across the United States, blocking the Biden administration from enforcing a temporary ban that was put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. New Jersey’s statewide rent moratorium expires at the end of the year.
These foods are extra hard to find right now because of shortages, supply chain issues
Notice your grocery store shelves looking a little bare lately? You’re definitely not the only one. Supply chain issues have created shortages of highly specific ingredients.
‘It’s up to us’: Fauci says pandemic could possibly end by spring 2022
The nation’s top infectious disease expert believes the pandemic’s end is near as long as the U.S. follows the right protocols to contain COVID-19. Dr. Anthony Fauci said he sees the light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s only open if the country’s 80 million to 90 million unvaccinated people are convinced to get the shot.
Comirnaty: What’s the story behind the new Pfizer vaccine name?
Comirnaty, who? It’s the same exact mRNA vaccine Pfizer has been producing through the emergency use authorization, but now it’s being marketed under a new name.
Is an earache a new COVID-19 symptom?
Doctors say they’re seeing a new COVID-19 symptom in some patients. According to experts, an earache has been reported more frequently by those testing positive for COVID. Earaches can cause pain, a feeling of blockage and sometimes muffled hearing.
NJ COVID hospitalizations top 1,000 for the first time since May: Gov. Murphy
For the first time since May, more than 1,000 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in New Jersey on Wednesday, Aug. 25, Gov. Phil Murphy said. There were 1,012 people hospitalized with COVID, 92 of whom were on ventilators, according to state Health Department data. The last time the state had more than 1,000 COVID hospitalizations was over three months ago on May 11, Murphy said.
Johnson & Johnson: Vaccine booster provides ‘rapid, robust’ response
Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday, Aug. 25, announced new data the company said supports the use of its COVID vaccine as a booster shot for people previously vaccinated with their single-shot vaccine.
J&J said the new data showed that a booster shot of their vaccine generated a “rapid and robust increase in spike-binding antibodies, nine-fold higher than 28 days after the primary single-dose vaccination.”
NJ to require teachers, state workers be fully vaccinated
All school personnel and state workers in New Jersey will be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday, Aug. 23.
Will COVID booster shot have the same side effects as the first two shots?
The Biden administration said Wednesday, Aug. 18, that COVID booster shots will soon be available, but how will the Sept. 20 rollout work, and what side effects should Americans expect?
Lambda and B.1.621: New COVID variants could be the worst yet, doctor warns
At least two new COVID-19 variants have hit the United States and they could be worse than the delta variant in their infectiousness and ability to stand up to vaccines, according to a top medical authority.
U.S. health officials call for booster shots for all to battle COVID-19
U.S. health officials recommended all Americans get COVID-19 booster shots to shore up their protection amid the surging delta variant and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness is falling. The announcement was made on Aug. 18.
August child tax credit payments issued: Here’s why yours might be delayed
The second installment of expanded child tax credits was issued on Aug. 13 to millions of eligible families, but some payments will likely be delayed due to a technical glitch, the U.S. Department of Treasury said.
Schumer calls for federal crackdown on fake vaccine cards
COVID claims more young victims as deaths climb yet again
The COVID-19 death toll has started soaring again as the delta variant tears through the nation’s unvaccinated population and fills up hospitals with patients, many of whom are younger than during earlier phases of the pandemic.
NJ county opens COVID booster shot appointments
Health care officials in a northern New Jersey county began offering COVID-19 booster shots to qualified residents on Aug. 14. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. said appointments for a third shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine were open at vaccination centers at Kmart in West Orange and Essex County College in Newark.
Concerts, outdoor events still risky as delta variant surges, experts say
Concerts and outdoor events are returning, and many are requiring proof of vaccination as part of new safety protocols designed to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. But while experts say being outdoors is less risky in general, they continue to recommend additional precautions for those visiting crowded outdoor venues.
Biden weighs stiffer vaccine rules as delta variant spreads rapidly across U.S.
When the pace of vaccinations in the U.S. first began to slow, President Joe Biden backed incentives like million-dollar cash lotteries if that’s what it took to get shots in arms. But as new COVID infections soar, he’s testing a tougher approach.
Who doesn’t need the COVID-19 vaccine?
It has been eight months since the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered to health care workers nationwide. Since then, the vaccine has become available to anyone over the age of 12. Experts explain the few instances in which a person would not qualify for, or should delay getting vaccinated.
Extra COVID shot OK’d for immunocompromised individuals
With more than 600 colleges and universities now requiring proof of COVID-19 inoculations, an online industry has sprung up offering fake vaccine cards.
What to do if you lose your COVID-19 vaccine card
Don’t worry if you’ve lost your COVID-19 vaccine card, there are several ways you can get it replaced. No matter where you got your shots, getting a replacement card is possible.
Will NJ reinstate a travel advisory?
Gov. Murphy said on Aug. 9, a new travel advisory is not off the table, but for now he encouraged mask wearing, which is mandatory in all airports and on flights, and other COVID safety protocols. “You gotta use your head,” he added.
Will NJ mandate masks indoors?
Despite CDC data showing New Jersey falls under its guidance to wear masks indoors, Gov. Murphy said he will not yet mandate face coverings but added, “we leave all options on the table.”
COVID transmission levels call for indoor masking under CDC guidelines
Indoor masking is advised in areas with COVID transmission rates considered “substantial” or “high” under recently updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Aug. 8, all of New Jersey falls under those categories.
How do you know if you have the delta variant of COVID-19?
So you’ve tested positive for COVID – but which COVID exactly? Is there a way to tell if you have the highly transmissible delta variant? There is a way to tell, but there’s not really a way for you to tell.
COVID breakthrough cases: Is one vaccine better than others?
Are kids more vulnerable to the delta variant of COVID-19?
Hospitals around the United States, especially in the South, are starting to fill back up again as the delta variant tears though the country. With previous waves of infection, we’ve been most worried about the elderly being vulnerable. Now, it’s younger people – even children – starting to show up in hospital beds.
U.S. averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day as delta surges
The United States is now averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day, returning to a milestone last seen during the winter surge in yet another bleak reminder of how quickly the delta variant has spread through the country. The U.S. was averaging about 11,000 cases a day in late June. Now the number is 107,143.
NJ schools mask mandate: Teachers’ union backs, Republicans slam Murphy decision
New Jersey Republicans have largely trashed Gov. Phil Murphy’s announcement on Aug 6 that masks will be required in all schools in the upcoming academic year.
NJ health care workers must be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19
Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order on Aug. 6 mandating that all workers in state and private health care facilities either be vaccinated for COVID-19 or tested for it twice a week.
50% of U.S. population is fully vaccinated, White House says
The United States reached a vaccination milestone on Aug. 6: 50% of the population, all ages, were fully vaccinated, the White House COVID-19 data director confirmed.
CDC says people who’ve had COVID should get shot or risk reinfection
Even people who have recovered from COVID-19 are urged to get vaccinated, especially as the extra-contagious delta variant surges — and a new study shows survivors who ignored that advice were more than twice as likely to get reinfected.
‘You have lost your minds’: Murphy lashes out at anti-vax protesters
Warning of more delta mutations, Fauci urges vaccinations
The White House COVID-19 response team said the delta variant continues to surge across the country. During a briefing on Aug. 5, Dr. Anthony Fauci called on Americans to take precautions to stop the virus from mutating. “The ultimate end game of all this is vaccination,” he said.
The latest surge in COVID-19 infections is fueled by the highly contagious delta variant first identified in India late last year. Now, a variation of that variant is beginning to generate headlines. Here’s what we know about the COVID sub-strain being called delta plus.
Vaccine mandate for state colleges?
Currently, some state colleges in New Jersey are mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for students and staff and some have made it optional. Murphy said a universal mandate “is certainly an option,” but for now individual universities can make their own call.
More ‘pain and suffering’ ahead as COVID cases rise, Fauci says
Dr. Anthony Fauci warned on Aug. 1 that more “pain and suffering” is on the horizon as COVID-19 cases climb again and officials plead with unvaccinated Americans to get their shots.
Walmart requiring COVID vaccination, masks for many employees
In a memo, Walmart announced that associates who work in multiple facilities, and associates of its campus office, will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4. Walmart also required associates, including those fully vaccinated, to wear masks in its stores.
Iconic NJ restaurant The Fireplace closes after 65 years
The Fireplace, like many other restaurants across the country, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and temporarily shuttered its doors before reopening in May, when they implemented drive-thru, takeout and curbside pickup followed by indoor dining in October.
New delta variant research makes strong case for vaccination
A report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized the delta variant is more dangerous and fast-spreading than first thought. The findings also made clear why efforts to get more people vaccinated are vital.
CDC data shows delta variant spreads as easily as chickenpox
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new information on July 30, saying the coronavirus delta variant can spread as easily as chickenpox.
Pfizer: COVID vaccine protective for at least 6 months
The effectiveness of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine wanes slightly over time but it remains strongly protective for at least six months after the second dose, according to company data released on July 28.
Disney World requires masks indoors regardless of vaccination status
Beginning July 30, Disney World required all visitors ages 2 and older to wear a face covering while indoors as well as in Disney buses, the monorail and the Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status.
CDC mask guidance: Vaccinated people should wear face coverings in public indoor settings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed course on some masking guidelines, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging.
U.S. headed in ‘wrong direction’ on COVID-19, Fauci says
Doctors warn about slightly different symptoms with delta variant of COVID
As concern grows regarding the COVID-19 delta variant, health leaders are warning about somewhat different symptoms that come with it.
Most unvaccinated Americans unlikely to get COVID-19 shots, new AP poll finds
A new poll shows that most Americans who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 say they are unlikely to get the shots. About 16% say they probably will get the vaccine.
Is asking about someone’s COVID vaccine status a HIPAA violation?
HIPAA was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996 during a time when medical records were being computerized. It was created to simplify the administration of health insurance and to prevent unauthorized access to peoples’ medical histories.
In fact, HIPAA doesn’t block anyone from asking another person about their health status, according to Alan Meisel, law professor and bioethics expert at the University of Pittsburgh.
Gov. Murphy holds off on reinstating mask mandate
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says he’s not ready to reinstitute mask requirements, now or when schools are back in session in September. Murphy says he “is comfortable where we are” on mask mandates but is also closely monitoring developments.
Child tax credit checks: Will they become permanent?
The parents of an estimated 60 million American children began receiving child tax credit payments from the IRS in a move expected to lift millions of families above the poverty baseline for the remainder of 2021. Should they become permanent?
Biden grapples with ‘pandemic of the unvaccinated’
President Joe Biden is confronting the worrying reality of rising cases and deaths — and the limitations of his ability to combat the persistent vaccine hesitance responsible for the summer backslide.
Child tax credit: When to expect payments, how it may impact tax returns
Common cholesterol drugs may significantly reduce risk of death from COVID-19: study
Statins, a common medication for lowering cholesterol, may be saving lives among patients with COVID-19. A new study reveals hospitalized coronavirus patients who take statins are much less likely to die from the illness.
WHO chief says it was ‘premature’ to rule out COVID lab leak
The head of the World Health Organization acknowledged it was premature to rule out a potential link between the COVID-19 pandemic and a laboratory leak, and he said he is asking China to be more transparent as scientists search for the origins of the coronavirus.
Wildfire smoke linked to increased COVID-19 risk, study says
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.
What can I do if I didn’t get my child tax credit payment?
The official disbursement date for the first child tax credit payments from the Internal Revenue Service was July 15, but parents may not see the cash right away.
Delta now dominant COVID variant in New Jersey
The highly transmissible delta variant is now the dominant strain in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said on July 12. The governor urged New Jersey residents to get vaccinated against COVID if they haven’t already done so.
Global COVID-19 deaths hit 4 million amid rush to vaccinate
There’s more to the worker shortage than pandemic unemployment, experts say
The workforce shortage is a combination of several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a shift in the economy, and changes in the workforce demographics, experts say.
Free health insurance included in stimulus benefits for unemployment recipients
Along with $1,400 stimulus checks and monthly child tax credit payments, the American Rescue Plan has another important benefit available to people who qualified for unemployment assistance this year: free health care.
Will one dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine protect me?
Yes, but not nearly as much as if you had both doses. Experts recommend getting fully vaccinated, especially with the emergence of worrisome coronavirus mutations such as the delta variant first identified in India.
Workers enjoy the upper hand as companies scramble to hire
With the economy growing rapidly as it reopens from the pandemic, many employers are increasingly desperate to hire. Yet evidence suggests that as a group, the unemployed aren’t feeling the same urgency to take jobs.
As of Tuesday, there have been 1,036,496 total positive PCR tests in the state since March 2020, and there have been 25,082 lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths, according to the state Health Department.
Gemma McCarthy Toomey Sullivan was born on September 18, 1940 and died on October 25, 2021. She spent her early years in Bayonne, New Jersey and has lived in Montclair, New Jersey since 1965. She graduated summa cum laude from the College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, New Jersey, and earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Services at Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey. Gemma has been parishioner of St. Cassian Church in Montclair, New Jersey and served on its Parish Council during its formative years after the Second Vatican Council. She was a Co-Chair of the Writer’s Room in Montclair High School for 15 years and volunteered and Chaired the Essex County Division of the New Jersey Child Placement Review Board for over 20 years. Gemma has been a member of the Board of Directors at Job Haines Home in Bloomfield, New Jersey for 30 years and served as its Chair for 21 years. She has also volunteered at the Montclair Human Needs Food Pantry for over 20 years. Gemma enjoyed spending her summers on Martha’s Vineyard for the last 50 years and organizing a revolving door of visiting family and friends. She spent many years gardening and fending off deer at her homes in Montclair and on Martha’s Vineyard. Gemma also served as the first woman member of the Farm Neck Golf Club Board of Directors on Martha’s Vineyard. Gemma was predeceased by her husband, David J. Toomey, and her sisters Sheila Magrini and Ginny McGill and her brother Thomas McCarthy. Gemma is survived by her loving husband of 40 years Thomas Sullivan, her sister Patricia McCarthy and her children David, John (Tricia), Mark and Paul Toomey, and her granddaughters Leah, Kiera, Scarlett and Finley Toomey. Gemma also enjoyed being actively involved in the lives of her many nieces and nephews. A wake will be held on October 28, 2021 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park Street, Montclair, New Jersey. A funeral mass will be held on October 29, 2021 at 10am at St. Cassian Church, 187 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Memorial Sloan Kettering Pediatric Cancer Center. Donate to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – MSK Giving
Published by Legacy on Oct. 26, 2021.
Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.
Top: Shannon Cuttle. Bottom: Qawi Telesford and Arun Vadlamani
Dear Editor:
Our community is blessed with a choice — five candidates for three seats—in the November 2ndBoard of Education election. All five candidates are to be commended for their willingness to take on the unpaid, often unappreciated job of service to our schoolchildren and community. After comparing the candidates, I will be voting for Shannon Cuttle, Qawi Telesford, and Arun Vadlamani to serve — they all have commendable, useful expertise and experience that make them the three best choices.
Of the four newcomers running, Qawi Telesford and Arun Valdamani have the most to offer South Orange and Maplewood by their service. Qawi is a lifelong resident of South Orange and successful product of our schools, going on to earn a PhD in neuroscience. Arun is a software engineer and parent of two children in the school district. They bring an intelligence, direct experience with the schools, and understanding of the importance of collaboration with the other members of the Board that stand out among the choices. Their campaign has been steadfastly positive.
As the only incumbent running, Shannon Cuttle has a significant record of accomplishment over the last three years. Thanks to Shannon’s advocacy and follow through, our district has improved its services for student wellbeing, both physically (through summer student lunch programs) and emotionally (through updated policies and training on Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention.) Shannon has been a leader in getting the long overdue facilities upgrade program off the ground. Keeping Shannon on the Board will ensure that the $160 million we have committed to spend is spent wisely.
Shannon has worked hard at getting better at the job—going beyond mandatory training and becoming a NJSBA State Certified Board Member—the only member of the current Board of Education to have achieved that. Peers from Essex County have recognized Shannon’s dedication and leadership by electing them Vice President of the County School Board Association and as the County Representative to the New Jersey School Board Association Board of Directors.
Re-electing Shannon would also be a victory for the best values of our community. Shannon’s election in 2018 made them the first known openly transgender non-binary elected official in New Jersey. Some strident voices in our community are uncomfortable with that. The negative, exclusionary nature of their attacks on Shannon reveal a lack of compassion, a blindness to the reluctance marginalized people feel to revisit every detail of their past, and an unwillingness to campaign based on the here and now, on issues and substance. Shannon’s service and record since moving here in 2013 is out there for all of us to evaluate. When you do, I hope you will join me in affirming the value of quality public education and for positive, issues based campaigning by voting for Shannon Cuttle, Qawi Telesford, and Arun Vadlamani for the three open seats on the Board of Education.
David Huemer
Member, Maplewood Twp Committee, South Orange-Maplewood Board of School Estimate, 2002-2007
BRIDGEWATER — A fencing instructor has been charged with sexually assaulting two female victims who came forward with reports of several alleged incidents of abuse between January 2020 and last month.
Stephen Kovacs, 49, is a Watchung resident, but his encounters with both females were characterized by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office as having happened in his capacity as a fencing coach, within Bridgewater Township.
On the last day of September, a release from the prosecutor’s office said Tuesday, prosecutors received reports that a 16-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by Kovacs, with subsequent interviews of her specifying incidents that took place from August through September.
One week later, prosecutors said, a 19-year-old woman reported she was abused by Kovacs starting at age 18, from January through December 2020.
Kovacs was arrested Oct. 13 and initially charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He was released from custody Oct. 19 following a detention hearing.
But in Tuesday’s release, the prosecutor’s office said further investigation revealed Kovacs made false statements under oath during that hearing. He was re-arrested Friday and additionally charged with fourth-degree false swearing.
Kovacs is now lodged once again in the Somerset County Jail pending another detention hearing.
Vaccinations for COVID-19 began being administered in the U.S. on Dec. 14, 2020. The quick rollout came a little more than a year after the virus was first identified in November 2019. The impressive speed with which vaccines were developed has also left a lot of people with a lot of questions. The questions range from the practical—how will I get vaccinated?—to the scientific—how do these vaccines even work?
Keep reading to discover answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions.
Early voting locations in each NJ county
Each county in the state will have between three and 10 early voting locations, open daily for the 2021 general election from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31. The sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for Sundays, when they will close at 6 p.m.
