Wednesday February 28 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather:  62° A few showers early becoming a steady rain for the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 62F. Chance of rain 90%.

- Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history will step down from that position in November. McConnell, who turned 82 last week, announced his decision Wednesday in the well of the Senate.

- The Supreme Court agrees to hear Donald Trump’s presidential immunity claim over criminal election interference charges. The court will hear the case the week of April 22.

- Following the recent rise in bias attacks across New Jersey, law enforcement agencies, held a townhall event in Lakewood today in an effort to better understand the community and discuss security concerns.

- Will Lakewood join? Gov. Murphy wants to give money to build affordable housing in NJ backyards and basements. Several New Jersey towns could receive funds to encourage developing affordable accessory dwelling units maller, independent structures on the same lot as a single-family home under a pilot program Gov. Phil Murphy proposed in his Tuesday fiscal year 2025 budget address. Under the $10 million proposal, 10 or more municipalities would be awarded up to $1 million through a competitive grant process. Towns partnering with nonprofits can provide up to $100,000 in forgivable capital loans and construction financing to homeowners looking to build or redevelop accessory dwelling units, such as a basement apartment, a tiny house in the backyard or an apartment over the garage. 

homeowners who receive the assistance would have to have a minimum 10-year deed restriction to reserve the unit for renters or buyers who make under 80% of the area median income. 

- BDE: petirah of Mrs. Geulis Strauss A"h from Flatbush, Levaya in Lakewood 2:00p  at the chapel off 7th street.  Followed by kevura in the nearby bais olam. Survived by her husband R' Shabsi shlita, son R" Naftoli, daughters Mrs. Binder,Farkas, Scheinbaum. Shiva at 137 Hillside blvd

- Seminar tomorrow for the Heimish olam on FECRA covid program  those who filed self employment during covid to possibly receive thousands of dollars it will take place at the Cares office 525 rt 70 4-6pm.

- Over the next three years, New Jersey will phase out a sales tax waiver for people buying new and used electric cars. New Jersey last year announced all new car sales must be electric starting in 2035, a regulation that will be phased in starting toward the end of 2026.

-Mantolooking, NJ tops New Jersey’s list of towns with the highest percentage of residents with college degrees, new U.S. Census data shows. More than 90% of Mantoloking residents older than 25 have an associate degree or higher, 

-Lakewood numbers; Percentage of college degrees in Lakewood: 32.6% have Bachelor's degree or higher, 4.4% Associate degree Some college,22.6% have no degree, 30.6% have a High school graduate (includes equivalency) and 9.9% have No high school diploma

- Bitcoin surpassed $60,000 today for the first time  since 2021

- Municipal elections in E"Y New mayor in Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh will go to a runoff between the UTJ and mizrachi candidate, in Elad Shas candidate ousts UTJ incumbent. Over all there was 50% turnout and the frum parties picked up seats in local municipalities.

- Grand Reopening of Express Auto Spa, on Rt 70 in Lakewood across from Costco forming this location next to Costco on rt. 70. Offering free car wash with each oil change.

-Marcy's Mens Clothing's end of winter sale on coats and suits