Wednesday February 12 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather Report:

36° - Mainly cloudy with a 50% chance of snow. Tonight, periods of rain are expected with a low near 35°F. The chance of rain is 90%, with rainfall around a quarter of an inch.

Lincoln's Birthday

Municipal offices will be closed. No trash collection 

- Sec. Pam Bondi announces the DOJ has filed charges against the State of New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul, AG Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder. "New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops today."

- App reports New Jersey promised a $65 million loan to Lakewood School district to avoid a budget shortfall just 10 days before the school district could have suspended classes and cancelled teacher paychecks, according to officials.

The loan, which would bring the district’s state loan debt to more than $230 million, is expected to come in installments of $32.5 million this month and $32.5 million in May, according to Board Member Moshe Raitzik.  But officials say it  Still not enough  to offset all budget needs after May, noting that the district had originally asked for a $104 million loan and still needs the remaining amount.

Electric bill increase:

New Jersey residents will likely see their electric bill skyrocket by at least 17% beginning in June following a surge in the price the state's utility regulator pays for megawatt energy per day, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said today.(onejerseyschorr)

- A Kabolas panim  will take place tomorrow in Lakewood for the Hanhala of Telshe yeshiva Cleveland, for local alumni  at River terrace  hall

- Trump says JD Vance and Marco Rubio will meet Zelenskyy in Munich on Friday to push peace talks forward.

- Trump and Putin will likely meet in Saudi Arabia the 1st time, he tells reporters in Oval Office, as quoted by CBS news senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs. 

- US Military jet crashes into the San Diego Bay, two pilots eject shortly before impact.   A U.S. Navy spokesperson says the aircraft involved was an E/A-18 G Growler.  

- Regarding Jackson not allowing busing today: The law regarding bussing, as required to be paid by the local Boards of education, has no exception for when the local public schools are closed. If the busses are safe to operate, the law obligated bussing everyday Monday through Friday, September 1st until June 30, and has no exceptions. There should have been LSTA/BOE transportation.

-Chuck Schumer says DOGE is to blame for ‘Trumpflation’ despite the Trump administration only being in office for three weeks.

- DHS says it has retrieved the full $59 million FEMA gave to NYC to house illegal migrant in high-end hotels, which led to the firings of several individuals involved.

- The Senate, 52-48, confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). McConnell was the sole Republican to join all Democrats.

- Tu B'Shevat Tish

Tonight at Skulen B"M in Lakewood with the Rebbe Shlita at 9 PM, 547 Park Ave.

- BMG Freezer Opening

The freezer opens tonight, as bochurim who arrived this winter can begin their parsha of Shidduchim and start going out on dates.

- Penny Production Update

Before Trump's order to halt penny production, 3.2 billion pennies were minted in 2024. So far, 242 million pennies have been minted in 2025.

- Interview with Veteran Gabbai

Veteran Gabbai of Shomer Shabbos Shul in Boro Park, in an interview with Kol Mevaser, discussed Trump's plan to eliminate the penny. He pointed out that while pennies aren't often given, some Sephardim give $1.01, and others give 26 cents in honor of Hashem's name. He hopes that now people will give $101 to compensate for the lost penny.

- JCP&L New Fee

JCP&L FirstEnergy has introduced a new 50-cent fee for customers who don't pay their bills via autopay online. A company spokeswoman clarified that this fee is retained by the vendor, not FirstEnergy. On a positive note, the vendor reduced the surcharge for one-time payments via debit or credit card from $4.75 to $2.75 per transaction. These fees are waived if customers sign up for autopay.

The Senate, 52-48, confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). McConnell was the sole Republican to join all Democrats.

Trump. Calls Putin: I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects. We both reflected on the Great History of our Nations, and the fact that we fought so successfully together in World War II, remembering, that Russia lost tens of millions of people, and we, likewise, lost so many! But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine. ..We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now. ...I believe this effort will lead to a successful conclusion, hopefully soon!

- R' Aaron Lang,  has filed an aid of litigants' rights, hoping to get the Court  to answer the question about funding formula, as Lakewood busing may be stopped on February 22. He is willing to forgo oral argument, and no one can argue education funding better than "Mr. Education." Proffessor Paul Trachtenberg. See more here and here

- US Inflation

US inflation rose unexpectedly by 3% in January, making hopes for interest rate cuts less likely in the near future. 

Trump responded, stating: "Interest rates should be lowered, which would align with upcoming tariffs! Let’s rock and roll, America!"

-Frum Yid on ballot,Ocean County Political Update

Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines announced on Tuesday that she will not seek a fourth term this year. George Gillmore, Republican leader, selected Samuel Ellenbogen, 37, of Toms River, as her successor. If he wins the Republican primary in June and the general election in November, Ellenbogen will become the first Orthodox Jew to hold a countywide elected office in Ocean County. No Republican has lost a seat on the county board since the 1980s. Ellenbogen is the treasurer of the Ocean County Utilities Authority.

- Two Australian doctors were caught on video admitting that Israelis were killed in their hospital. Police have them in custody, and Health Minister Ryan Park has stated they will be fired.

- Musk on Education Contracts

Musk commented that the Department of Education terminated 89 contracts worth $881 million. One contractor was paid $1.5 million to "observe mailing and clerical operations" at a mail center.

- Chavivim of Ocean County

Chavivim of Ocean County has welcomed 10 new members to serve the community. For assistance, call their 24-hour hotline at 1 (718)-871-7299.

- Trump on DOGE

Trump commented, "DOGE has found massive amounts of fraud, waste, incompetence, and abuse. But despite this, a highly political, activist judge wants us to immediately make payment anyway. It doesn't make sense!"

- New Jersey Bill on Cannabis Sales

A new bill introduced by New Jersey Senate President Nick Scutari would allow medical cannabis dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana without municipal approval. This bill comes after many municipalities in the state, about 70%, chose to ban the sale of weed within their borders.(Sschorr)

- Shloime Zionce's Miracle

Shloime Zionce white house reporter for Ami, shared his experience of a miracle tonight. A car lost control and was speeding toward him, nearly causing a T-bone accident. Thankfully, he swerved out of the way just in time. The car missed them by milliseconds, hitting a lamp post and a tree before spinning 180 degrees. The other driver, who has many broken bones, is alive but facing a long recovery. "Thank G-D for watching over us," said Zionce.

- Ticket Prices to Israel

According to a senior source in the aviation industry, ticket prices to Israel will not decrease despite increasing competition. "Today, a $1,500 ticket to the U.S. is considered reasonable. We no longer see many airlines offering $1,000 fares to the U.S.," said the source.

- Lake Terrace Hall Lawsuit

Some neighbors have filed a lawsuit in Ocean County Superior Court against Lake Terrace Hall and the township for allowing the venue to remain in business. The lawsuit claims that the variance granted to the hall was flawed, and neighbors want it shut down.

- US Defense Secretary's Statement

At a NATO meeting, US Defense Secretary Hegseth stated that the war in Ukraine must end and the bloodshed must stop. He also emphasized that returning to Ukraine's original borders is unrealistic, and that Ukraine's NATO membership is not a practical goal.

- R' Shlomo Werdiger's Reflections

R. Shlomo Werdiger, CEO of Agudath Yisroel, shared his experience of spending Shabbos Shirah in New Orleans for work-related reasons, while keeping in mind Rabbi Sherer’s principle that an Orthodox Jew is an ambassador at all times. He had the opportunity to meet leaders from business, entertainment, and government, including the Speaker of the House, the Governor of Pennsylvania, and a leading candidate for the Ohio governorship. He also reflected on the great work of Chabad in New Orleans and the commitment of Jews far from large communities.