Thursday May 9 News Updates

 Weather: 70° Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 70F.

Asked by New Jersey Assemblyman Gary Schaer if calling for the genocide of Jews is free speech, Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway says "no it is not," and adds that "calling for genocide or violence against people in any form is speech that should not be protected."(SSchorr)

-Former State Sen. Ed Durr will announce his bid for the Republican nomination for Governor of New Jersey on Monday. (Njinsider)

- The Lakewood Board of Education gave final approval to a $309 million budget for next year, which includes a $104 million state loan request, officials admit that may not be the final word on the spending plan or how much the district borrows from the state. If the $104 million is approved for next year the loan debt would approach $236 million, or more if that loan amount is increased. (App)

- Lag Baomer In Meron Cancelled: Following a situation assessment, the IDF has officially decided to cancel the upcoming Lag Baomer events at Kever Harashbi in Meron, scheduled for May 24-27, due to rising terror threats and tensions with Hezbollah in the North

- Chavrusah Tumult continues today at BMG. The yeshiva will be learning masechtos Nedarim  and Shavuos for this coming summer zman.

- A Melava Malka will take place this motzei shabbos in Lakewood for the yartzeit of Reb Shayala Keristir hosted by the Admor Mshedlitz Lakewood Khal Yeshuos Dovid. It will take place at yeshiva ktana hall with the attendance of Rabinim and Admorim.

-Five structure fires in the past week are unusual but have proven to not be intentionally set, according to Lakewood's fire chief. nj 1015

- Israel releases population data  at 9.9 million with 73% as Jewish. This year the country added 189,000 people while 60,000 passed away including 1500 killed in the war. There are sadly 502 yesomim from the war.

- Bingo having bulk sales this week,GG has dag yam fish sticks for $4.79

- Assemblyman Avi Schnall praised the Howell Township Council’s unanimous decision to pass a resolution condemning anti-Semitism in all its forms. “This resolution is a testament to Howell Township’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all individuals,” “At a time when antisemitism is disturbingly on the rise, including overt expressions of hate on college campuses and elsewhere, it is imperative for leaders at every level to voice their opposition to such hateful sentiments and actions unequivocally.” Assemblyman Schnall remarked, “It is especially important now for elected officials to stand boldly and firmly against antisemitic hate and bigotry. The Howell Township Council has set a commendable example of leadership by acknowledging the serious implications of such hatred and taking clear steps to combat it.”

- Zoning board approves application for school with waiver not to have sidewalks. Faa

- For the second time in the past year, the - Lakewood School District has proposed a plan that will change where some students go to school, according to a letter sent to parents.

The move has teachers’ union leaders upset, claiming they were only told about it days before it was approved by the Board of Education. Under the proposal, set to take effect for the 2024-2025 school year, Spruce Street School, which currently serves only first graders, will also house all district second graders.