Thursday December 12 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 42° Windy with a mix of clouds and sun. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph

- Reports of drones flying over lakewood and Toms River area this evening 

- The New Jersey Senate Republican Caucus has called on Governor Murphy to demand the support of the Biden Administration to grant blanket military authority to take down any drones that pose a threat to the state.

Bde: A small plane crashed right outside westchester county airport, and went down on interstate 684 in Harrison,NY. Two frum yiddin were on board. Sadly the pilot passed away he was identified as Yaakov Friedman Z"L,32 of Monsey. The passenger from Linden,NJ was taken to Westchester hospital in stable condition he suffered a leg injury name for Tehillim Kloinimus Baruch ben Tzartel.

- Smoke and Fire Smell in Boro Park as Blaze Destroys Three Jewish Homes in Flatbush on E 4th and Quentin no injuries reported.

- Congressman Jeff Van Jones "We are not being told the truth,” he insisted, accusing the Pentagon of treating the American public as though they were “stupid.”

 “These drones very well could be launched from a ship. It could be hundreds of miles out at sea. These types of drones go much greater distances … Could it be China? Absolutely. Could it be somebody else? It sure could,” 

Van Drew maintained that his sources are highly credible and suggested that Iran may have a vessel off the East Coast, operating near and within the waters.

- John Kirby on drone activity in and around New Jersey: "We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat or have a foreign nexus... We have not been able to...corroborate any of the reported visual sightings."

- BDE: Petirah of Rabbi Moshe Chanoch Mordechai Hakohein Novoseller z”l at the age of 94 levaya in Lakewood 2:45pm more at matzav

Trump’s economic advisers say they are considering doubling the state and local tax deduction (SALT) from the current write-off limit from $10,000 to $20,000, which could potentially deliver significant savings to many residents of New Jersey

- Thousands participate in the Toldos Aaron B"M in Meah shearim for a seudas Bas Ayin with R' Meilich Biderman

Senators Andy Kim Cory Booker Chuck Schumer and Gillibrand are requesting an immediate briefing from the FBI, FAA and DHS regarding the recent drone sightings over New Jersey, seeking information about their work to identify and address the source of these incursions (Shlomo Schorr)

-DOJ IG reports 26 FBI informants were in DC on January 6, with at least 17 allegedly committing offenses similar to those for which other #Jan6 participants were charged. 

- Lakewood is the fastest growing town in New Jersey with an exploding population and App  breaks down the dynamics in age.

Under 5 is 16.6%

Under 18 is 49.5%

65 and over 10.2%

 The town is 88.3%White 2.4% Black and 10% Hispanic

Median household income $59,000

- The Tosh Dayan from Monsey received a welcome home kabolas panic upon his return from EY after he wasn't allowed to leave the country as the Rabbanut put a hold on him due to his involvement with the satmar get.

- Bas Ayin Yartzeit seudas taking place tonight in local eateries and other venues.

- Bais Yaakov of Jackson was awarded a  Bid to Purchase Rosenauer Elementary School for $13 Million after the Jackson school board decided the property was not necessary for the school district.

-- The Monmouth County Board of Commissioners are calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to declare a “state of emergency” as answers are sought about the mystery of the unidentified drones reported over New Jersey, including the Shore.

-  New Jersey has announced the opening of the pre-application period for the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) waiting list. Beginning January 13, 2025, and running through January 31, 2025, eligible New Jersey residents can apply online for a chance to receive critical state rental assistance.

The SRAP program aims to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing to veterans, seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income families.

A total of 6,000 households will be selected through a computer-randomized lottery 

- President Joe Biden commutes nearly 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people most were for drug offenses

- Jackson Police Chief Matthew Kunz has just filed a massive lawsuit revealing explosive allegations involving Mayor Mike Reina, more at faa 

- Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fetterman is reportedly considering a run for President in 2028, according to a Politico report. 

- Trump’s Middle East Advisor Pushes for Palestinian Statehood. Massad Boulos, President-elect Donald Trump’s newly appointed advisor on Middle Eastern and Arab affairs, advocates for a roadmap toward Palestinian statehood as a prerequisite for normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. He emphasizes that while immediate statehood isn’t demanded, a clear vision and plan are essential.

- A Facebook group called "New Jersey Drones  let's solve it" now has nearly 25,000 online amateur sleuths who are racing to find the source of the mysterious drones that have appeared over New Jersey in recent weeks, sharing videos, photos, tips and theories. (Sschorr)