Reynolds-Jackson Applauds Advancement of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson issued the following statement after testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee today in support of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey. The Assemblywoman is the prime sponsor of the Act (Bill A1715) in the Assembly. The General Assembly passed the legislation earlier this year.

“The advancement of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act in the Senate Judiciary Committee marks another important step toward strengthening and protecting one of our most fundamental rights, the right to vote. At a time when we are seeing growing efforts across the country to create barriers to participation and raise questions about who should have access to the ballot box, New Jersey is continuing to move in the opposite direction by making clear that every eligible voter deserves a fair opportunity to participate in our democracy.

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EPA Announces $103 Million to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing $103,084,000 in funding to protect New Jersey from exposure to lead in drinking water. This investment will go directly to states through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and is part of EPA’s unwavering commitment to Making America Healthy Again.

This funding will go toward finding and replacing lead pipes (also known as lead service lines) that deliver water to homes. Communities can use these funds for identifying lead pipes, planning removal projects, and funding replacement of these lead service lines. Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that is especially harmful to children. Each lead pipe removed and replaced delivers real, tangible human health benefits in communities across our great nation.

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Assembly Democrats Advance Bill Targeting “Revenge Porn” on Social Media Sites

With nonconsensual, intimate, and explicit images and videos proliferating online, the General Assembly passed legislation yesterday that would require social media companies to take steps to remove this content from their platforms. Bill A3064 is sponsored by Assemblyman Chris Tully and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight.
There’s been a significant rise in non-consensual intimate image (NCII) distribution, also known as “revenge porn.” Victims of NCII suffer emotional, psychological and reputational harm. To make matters worse, they often face difficulties in getting these images removed from social media platforms.
“In a matter of minutes exploitative content can spread across platforms and leave victims to deal with the kind of lasting emotional and personal consequences that can last a lifetime,” said Assemblyman Tully (D-Bergen). “As technology continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of AI-generated media, we have a responsibility to make sure the protections in place evolve alongside it, and part of that responsibility is making sure there exists an effective pathway for getting harmful content removed quickly.”
The bill would define intimate images and videos and would require social media companies to establish and implement procedures to assist nonprofit organizations in monitoring, flagging, and removing nonconsensual intimate images from social media platforms.
“For victims, especially young people, the emotional toll of having what feels like your dignity taken away can be devastating and it is our responsibility to make sure they are not powerless in these moments,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex, Hudson). “If we want people to be able to regain a sense of control, we need to make sure harmful content does not continue circulating unchecked in the first place, and this bill is an important step toward making that happen.”

Chickie’s and Pete’s Pays Memorial Day Friday Tolls on the AC Expressway

Chickie’s & Pete’s, home of world famous Crabfries®, teams up once again with the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) and the Atlantic City Expressway to kick-off the summer by paying travelers tolls Memorial Day Weekend. Chickie’s and Pete’s will be paying tolls for all drivers at the Eastbound Egg Harbor, New Jersey Toll Plaza Exit on F ree Toll Friday, May 22, 2026 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Earlier that afternoon, Chickie’s and Pete’s countdown with family fun from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Farley Service Plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway (Milepost 21.3) – including complimentary orders of their world famous Crabfries®. There will also be an outdoor car show and 100 Days of Summer celebration with 70+ organizations, vendors, artists and exhibitors, including The Funny Farm rescue sanctuary, New Jersey State Police K9 dog team, Atlantic City International Airport Fire and Rescue Equipment, and more.

“F ree Toll Friday is one of my favorite summertime traditions,” said Chickie’s & Pete’s Chairman and CEO Pete Ciarrocchi. “We’re excited to be back at Farley Plaza hosting one of our favorite annual events this year. We love to send everyone off to the shore in good spirits before a big holiday weekend!”

“F ree Toll Friday will see more than complimentary tolls, food and entertainment. It also marks the kick-off of Chickie’s & Pete’s Annual ‘Summer of Shellfish.’ The Summer of Shellfish is a special menu all summer long at participating Chickie’s & Pete’s locations.”

“We’re excited to kick off our annual 100 Days of Summer celebration and welcome travelers passing through Hammonton on their way to their favorite Jersey Shore destination,” said SJTA Executive Director Stephen F. Dougherty. “This year’s festivities offer something for everyone, whether you’re enjoying our diverse food truck lineup, checking out classic cars, browsing unique handmade goods, or letting the kids enjoy the petting zoo. It’s a great way to enhance your summer travel experience.”

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I-295 southbound/Al-Jo’s Curve to be closed and detoured tonight in Bellmawr

The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured tonight as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County.

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Thrive 2026 Brings Bold Ideas to Princeton

ArtPride New Jersey proudly announces the return of the Thrive Arts Conference, the state’s premier professional development event for the arts sector. Taking place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lewis Arts Complex at Princeton University, Thrive convenes hundreds of executive, marketing, and development professionals from across New Jersey for a day of learning, collaboration, and forward-thinking dialogue.

Held biennially and produced in partnership with the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University, with support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Thrive has grown into the largest convening dedicated to addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities within New Jersey’s cultural community.

As the leading voice and advocate for the arts in the state, ArtPride New Jersey continues to position Thrive as a critical platform for shaping the future of the sector—bringing together thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators to exchange ideas and drive impact.

“This conference reflects ArtPride New Jersey’s role as a convener and catalyst for the arts sector,” said Adam Perle, President & CEO of ArtPride New Jersey. “Thrive is where we come together to address challenges and collectively reimagine what’s possible for the arts in New Jersey.”

Dynamic Keynote to Inspire Bold Leadership

Headlining the 2026 conference is Kishshana Palmer, an author, international speaker, trainer, and coach with more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, and talent management who helps leaders build high-performing teams.

Kishshana is CEO of ManageMint, Inc., an organizational development firm dedicated to helping everyday leaders live well and lead well. The firm’s work centers on equity, social justice, and practical solutions for today’s organizations. She is also founder of The Rooted Collaborative, a global community focused on the growth and development of women leaders of color in the social sector.

A trusted voice on collaborative leadership and talent development, Palmer brings both strategy and soul to her work. Known for her bold, no-nonsense approach, she challenges individuals and organizations to move beyond expectations and create meaningful impact on their own terms. Through her speaking, coaching, and podcast, ManageMint Made Easy, she equips everyday leaders with tools to align how they lead with why they lead, resulting in stronger teams, clearer purpose, and measurable outcomes.

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Katz, Venezia, Sweeney Bills to Protecting New Jersey Children Clears Assembly

With children’s mental and physical health top of mind, the New Jersey General Assembly advanced legislation designed to improve access to crisis support services and address harmful social media practices that can contribute to eating disorders among young users. Bills A2733 and A2739 respond to growing concerns about the mental health challenges facing children and the impact digital platforms can have on young people’s self-image and emotional health. Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Assemblyman Michael Venezia sponsored both bills.

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New Jersey Blood Services Calls for Immediate Blood Donations as Summer “Trauma Season” Begins

New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) is urgently calling on New Jersey residents to donate blood ahead of Memorial Day weekend as the region faces dangerously low blood collections at the start of the summer “trauma season,” one of the most difficult and critical times of year for maintaining the blood supply.

Blood donations are down nearly 15%, representing approximately 4,500 fewer donations than needed to meet hospital demand across the region. The shortfall comes just before Memorial Day weekend, when donations traditionally decline due to travel, vacations, school breaks, and holiday activities. Following a difficult winter season, spring donations have also failed to rebound as expected, and without an immediate increase in donations, the region risks entering blood emergency territory in the weeks ahead.

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Community Activist Bruce Darrow Charged With Alleged Theft of over $6,000

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (MAY 20, 2026)(CNBNews)—The Gloucester City Police Department has charged longtime community activist Bruce Darrow of Brooklawn with the alleged theft of over $6,000 from the Carmen Paliero Basketball League. According to the press release, Darrow supposedly took the money between September 2016 and March 2026 during the time he was serving as president of the organization. The charge was placed on a summons pending a Central Judicial Processing Court Hearing.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING CENTRAL JUDICIAL PROCESSING?

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General Assembly Advances ‘Patient and Provider Protection Act’

Assemblyman Roy Freiman’s ongoing efforts to address rising prescription costs took a big step forward today with the Assembly passage of the “Patient and Provider Protection Act” (A1502). The legislation aims to bring transparency and accountability to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the middlemen who often drive up costs for patients and families. The “Patient and Provider Protection Act” would regulate PBMs and help make prescription drugs more affordable for New Jersey families.

“This bill is about putting patients first and making prescription drugs more affordable for New Jersey families,” said Assemblyman Freiman (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset). “PBMs need to be held accountable by providing a fair process for independent pharmacies to access medication and ensuring patients don’t have to jump through hoops to find the most affordable option for their prescriptions. This legislation would ensure that no New Jerseyan’s access to medication is hindered by contracts that place profits ahead of people.”