Category: NEWS

Bill to Protect Health Coverage for Adults with Disabilities Clears Committee

Legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Rosy Bagolie, Shanique Speight, and Carmen Morales would allow continuation of health benefits coverage for young adults with physical or intellectual disabilities who are chiefly dependent on a parent or guardian for support and maintenance. The bill, A2550, cleared the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee last week.

Under current New Jersey law, coverage may continue for a dependent adult child after age 26 while the parent remains with the same employer; however, if the parent changes employers, the new employer is not required to offer continued coverage for that dependent adult child over age 26. Bill A2550 would require health insurers and group health plans that provide dependent coverage to continue to make that coverage available.

Read more: Bill to Protect Health Coverage for Adults with Disabilities Clears Committee

“Turning 26 should not mean losing access to critical care for individuals who cannot live or work independently,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie (D-Essex, Passaic). “This bill is about protecting residents. It would close a dangerous gap in our law and would give families the stability and peace-of-mind they deserve.”

Currently, many adults with disabilities rely on NJ FamilyCare, the State’s Medicaid program, for health coverage. Yet not all physicians and specialists who accept private insurance accept Medicaid, leaving many individuals without access to care. 


Recent federal Medicaid funding reductions enacted under the federal 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act have placed additional financial strain on states, putting hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents at risk of losing coverage.

“Families with individuals with disabilities are already navigating complex medical and financial realities,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex, Hudson). “With uncertainty surrounding federal Medicaid funding, we must ensure there is a reliable safety net in place so individuals with disabilities are not left without care.”

“This legislation is about protecting access to care and preserving dignity,” said Assemblywoman Morales (D-Essex). “New Jersey has long been committed to supporting residents with disabilities, and this bill would reinforce that commitment by ensuring coverage does not disappear because of a job change or shifting federal policies.”

Flexible Assessment Roles Available for Experienced Social Workers

For many dedicated professionals in the social care sector, there comes a point where the standard nine-to-five grind (which, let’s be fair, is rarely actually just nine-to-five) starts to lose its shine. The passion for helping vulnerable young people is still very much there, of course, but the desire for a bit more autonomy often starts to creep in. It raises a tricky question: how does one stay involved in making a difference while reclaiming a bit of personal time?

Well, moving into independent assessment work is often the answer for those who have already put in the hard yards and gained significant experience. It offers a way to keep using those valuable skills but on a self-employed basis, which naturally allows for a much better balance between professional duties and life outside of work.

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Rosie Pino Calls Out Pou’s “Victory Lap” After Voting AGAINST Local Safety Funds

Pou rejected the final $14M funding bill for NJ-09 before claiming credit in local press tour

CLIFTON, NJ — Rosie Pino, four-term local elected official and Republican candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 9th District, today called out Rep. Nellie Pou’s political hypocrisy amid reports surfacing that Pou is touting over $14.4 million in local funding that she actually voted to kill in Washington.

“Nellie Pou is trying to have it both ways, but the voters are smarter than she thinks,” said Pino. “She stood on the House floor and voted to kill funding for our district’s pipes, police, and community centers just because she wanted to make a political statement against ICE. Now, she’s back home acting like she’s the one who wrote the check. She rejected the bill in D.C., but she’s posing for cameras in New Jersey,”

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Planning a Trip to Thailand? Here’s How to Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees

Thailand continues to rank among the most popular international destinations for American travelers. From the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the beaches of Phuket and the cultural landmarks of Chiang Mai, the country offers a mix of affordability, adventure, and rich history that appeals to vacationers, retirees, students, and digital nomads alike.

While most travelers focus on flights, accommodations, and sightseeing plans, one important detail is often overlooked: how to stay connected once you arrive.

Reliable mobile data is essential for navigating unfamiliar cities, booking transportation, accessing travel apps, communicating with family, and managing reservations. Yet many Americans still rely on traditional international roaming plans — often without realizing how costly they can be.

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Simple Wellness Habits That Fit Into a Nurse’s Busy Schedule

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Many nurses want to keep simple wellness habits in their routine, but a busy schedule can make that feel difficult. Wellness does not need long plans or extra hours. It can come from small choices that fit naturally into the day. The aim is not to create a perfect routine, but to find steady habits that feel realistic even during full shifts. 

In this article, we will look at simple wellness ideas designed with nurses in mind. These habits can support a balanced lifestyle that feels calm and practical.

A Gentle Morning Start

Mornings can set the tone for the day, even when a shift begins early. A gentle start does not need to be long or complicated. Many nurses find it helpful to do one small thing before rushing out, such as drinking a glass of water, opening a window for fresh air, or taking a few slow breaths. These small moments can help you feel more settled before the day begins. If you have time, a quick stretch or a simple breakfast can also feel grounding. The key is to keep it realistic. A steady morning habit, even a short one, can become a familiar part of your routine.

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N.J. Construction Contractors Can Apply for Free Business Growth Program

Construction contractors in or serving overburdened communities can apply for Building for Growth, an 18-week executive education program starting mid-April. The program is offered at no cost through a partnership between Kean University, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City.

The program helps contractors increase bonding capacity, optimize financial systems, and build connections with general contractors and corporate partners. Classes combine in-person sessions at Kean University in Union with virtual instruction.

Eligible businesses must be independent, for-profit construction companies headquartered in New Jersey or performing significant contracts in the state. The time commitment is 3-4 hours per week for 18 weeks.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. Apply early.

Apply Now

CNB HUNTING NEWS: Maryland Hunters Harvest Over 70,000 Deer 

Statewide harvest is 7.2% lower than the 5-year average

Maryland deer hunters harvested 71,649 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 5, 2025 through Feb. 4, 2026.

The statewide harvest reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources included 29,814 antlered and 37,925 antlerless white-tailed deer, and 1,874 antlered and 2,036 antlerless sika deer. The harvest was 14.9% lower than the 2024-2025 total of 84,201 deer and 7.2% lower than the previous 5-year average of 77,221.

The deer harvest fluctuates annually due to changes in hunter effort, weather conditions, availability of natural food sources such as acorns, disease outbreaks, and the population size prior to hunting season. Multiple counties in central and southern Maryland experienced an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease during late summer and fall. This likely reduced local deer populations and may have contributed to the lower harvests in those areas. The 2025 outbreak is not expected to have long-term consequences for local deer populations.

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Businesses Can Round Cash Transactions to Nearest Nickel

Businesses accepting cash payments can voluntarily round transactions up or down to the nearest nickel due to the penny shortage caused by discontinued U.S. Mint production. Rounding policies must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously before customers incur charges.

Sales tax must be calculated on the actual purchase price before rounding and remitted as required. Businesses paying Corporation Business Tax or Gross Income Tax must use exact accounting when determining gross receipts or total income. Rounding up creates additional income; rounding down reduces the gross receipt figure.

The Division of Consumer Affairs provides a sample notice businesses can display. Businesses can create their own notices if they clearly describe their rounding policy.

View Guidance

CNB HUNTING NEWS: DNR Seeks Public Input 

Comment period includes migratory game bird season proposal for the coming season

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on proposed changes to the 2026-2028 hunting and trapping seasons and the proposed 2026-2027 Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Bag Limits. 

The public can view the proposed regulations and comment online, as well as view and comment on the proposed migratory game bird seasons and bag limits now through February 28. 

“We thank our many stakeholders who have worked with us on the latest set of regulatory proposals,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer. “Public input is essential to setting our regulations and we look forward to receiving comments to help us further refine and finalize these actions.”

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Carousels are Increasingly Rare, But this One in Seaside Heights is Now a State Landmark

There are many rides at the Seaside Heights boardwalk but the Floyd L. Moreland Carousel is also a work of art.

“Everyone who comes to see the carousel is happy,” said Joe Verderosa, president of the Seaside Heights Historical Society. “It’s just a joyful place.”

The carousel has 58 rideable animals including horses, donkeys, and lions. The ride is now ADA-accessible for the first time. Image courtesy of Darren Tobia.

The sense of joy that surrounds the carousel has been heightened lately after it became the newest landmark to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places after a vote from the State Review Board in November. This is the culmination of a decadelong fight to save it.

In 2014, Casino Pier — which owned an arcade along the boardwalk that housed the carousel — planned to auction off this landmark. But local residents rallied and the local government stepped in to acquire it.

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