Wednesday January 14 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather:  57°  A few showers developing during the afternoon Chance of rain 30%.

- Verizon: The outage has been resolved. If customers are still having an issue, we encourage them to restart their devices to reconnect to the network. For those affected, we will provide account credits. Details will be shared directly with customers. We sincerely apologize for the disruption

- New York Times: The Pentagon was ready to return forces to Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar following Trump's remarks.  Long-range bombers in the US were put on alert to carry out secondary strikes if necessary, but it seems that this was haled for now as of Wednesday afternoon.

- Surces to NBC News: President Trump told his advisors that he wants every action in Iran to deliver a decisive blow to the regime, but so far, he has not received a guarantee from them

- Reports on social media claiming that a United flight from Newark to Tel Aviv turned back are not true.

- The Pentagon has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln and her Carrier Strike Group, to depart their current position in the South China Sea and steam towards the Middle East.

- Iran announces the closure of its airspace to civilian air traffic.

- The US Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security alert advising that US citizens should review travel plans in case of disruptions and make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families.

- Sky News reports that as part of potential U.S. military plans against Iran, the option of eliminating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reportedly being considered.

- Tehillim Monsey: A child fell out of the back door of a school bus on Main Street and is in a critical condition. Hatzoloh Paramedics transported him Westchester hospital. Name for Tehillim is Yecheskel ben Chaya Esther.

- Lakewood, the state's fourth-largest municipality, is also one of the most unique school districts in New Jersey.

For the 2024-2025 school year, there were just over 4,100 total public school students, compared to nearly 60,000 who attend nonpublic schools in the township.(onejersey)

- Trump: US notified that killing of Iran protesters has ceased, executions won’t take place

- President Trump reveals that someone leaked information on the Venezuelan operation but is now in custody ."A leaker has been found and is in jail right now. From Venezuela. There could be some others. We are hot on their trail." "He's been found and is in jail and will probably be in jail for a long time. We will see what happens!"

- Sen. Bob Singer (R-Ocean) acknowledged the Lakewood school district’s challenges but said it is too early to know whether a state takeover will fix them. If approved by the State Board of Education, the takeover would place the district under state-appointed leadership, including a new superintendent and business administrator, while the elected school board would remain in an advisory role with additional members appointed by the education commissioner. (NJ monitor)

- Verizon services down in half the country "We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience."

-European sources to Reuters: “A U.S. strike on Iran is possible within the next 24 hours.”

Foreign airlines starting to cancel flights to and from Israel.

 Lufthansa has notified its employees to prepare for leaving Israel and for the cancellation of flights starting tomorrow, according to Israel's Channel 12.

- The Murphy administration will initiate a state takeover of the Lakewood public schools. NJ Globe reports The Murphy administration is seeking a state takeover of Lakewood’s financially troubled public schools, potentially removing the elected school board and installing a state monitor, citing unsustainable deficits and rising costs. The move, with six days left in Murphy’s term, appears to insulate the incoming Democratic governor, Sherrill, from having to take the action herself.

- The United States is withdrawing forces from several bases in the Middle East according to Reuters.

- Arab Gulf states have been warning the Trump administration not to strike Iran after Trump and White House officials stated on Tuesday that military action was more likely than not, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

- Politico: WH mentions Lakewood incident in response: A White House spokesperson criticized New Jersey’s proposed anti-ICE legislation, limiting cooperation between state and local police and federal immigration authorities like ICE citing a deadly incident in Lakewood, New Jersey earlier this summer. In a statement to POLITICO, spokesperson Abigail Jackson referenced a case in which a man in the country illegally killed a mother and daughter while driving under the influence. “The New Jersey Legislature should focus on protecting law-abiding citizens, not the criminal aliens who kill them,” Jackson said. Interestingly assemblyman Avi Schnall whose district includes Lakewood voted in favor of the anti ICE bills 

- Mesivta farher Parents can request applications starting tomorrow January 15

- New Jersey American Water Crews will be doing routine valve inspections in the Lakewood area from Jan 13–18, 9 AM–3 PM. This helps make sure the water system is working properly. No service interruptions are expected. there may be 

- The Jackson Township Council has voted to name the Lakewood Scoop, Jersey Shore Online, and the Asbury Park Press as the official newspapers of the township

- ICE Raids taking place today in Lakewood on rt 88.

- Giyus:A  summit of Litvish Degel leaders and Admorim from Agudah will take place tonight in Bnei Brak to discuss their diffraction about the draft bill.

- Premium Chaburah Matzos, made especially for Bnei Yeshiva, are baked at Melnicov Matzah Bakery in Bucharest under Rav Chanokh Saltz Shlit”a. Available in 1 lb ($33) and 1.5 lb ($39), with whole wheat options. 15% off if ordered by [date]. Baking starts during Parshas Shemos!

- A new $100 million, 16-story Chabad Campus for Jewish Life in Los Angeles will be among the largest in the world. donated by real estate professional Mr and Mrs. Alon Abady.

- Trump: "The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security... IF WE DON’T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" - President Donald J. Trump

- Vaad of sofrim under the hisachdus issues a call Following recent inspections, serious mistakes were found in some sifrei Torah, raising concerns they may be pasul. The notice urges shuls and owners of Sifrei Torah owners to have it checked immediately by qualified, approved sofrim.

- Tax dollars: New Jersey lawmakers will receive a 67% pay raise, increasing their annual salary from $49,000 to $82,000, Legislators will also continue to receive $150,000 per year for staff salaries. The raises will cost taxpayers $9.8 million annually, which is about $4 million more per year than under the previous pay structure.

- Today Marks 15 Years Since the Brutal Murder of Lakewood Police Officer Chris Matlosz

- Controversial e-bike legislation awaits Gov. Murphy’s signature or veto. The bill would require many e-bike riders to have a driver’s license, register their bikes, and carry insurance depending on the bike’s speed and motor power. It creates new e-bike categories, bans modification kits, and adds equipment rules like reflectors at night. Age restrictions would apply: riders under 15 could not operate an e-bike or motorized bike; those ages 15–16 would need a permit; and riders 17 and older would need a driver’s license. Assemblyman Avi Schnall and Sean kean both voted yes for this bill 

- Tax dollars: Lakwood Industrial commission will purchase the Wells Fargo bank building on 317 Main st from the LDC for $1. It's a transfer from one township entity to the other. The LDC purchased the building last year for $2.5 million with taxpayer dollars. No word on what will be done with this property. The LIC meeting is today. "Resolution of the Lakewood Industrial Commission authorizing the purchase of 317 Main Street (Wells Fargo Building) located at Block 89, Lot 14 for a sum of One Dollar 

($1.00) from the Lakewood Development Corporation. "

- Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, representing New Jersey’s 10th Legislative District in Ocean and Monmouth counties , spoke out yesterday against what he calls some of the most radical bills in the State’s history, passed just hours before the 221st Legislative Session ended. The legislation, he says, is aimed at protecting roughly 900,000 undocumented immigrants who receive nearly $7 billion in taxpayer-funded benefits. Kanitra described being silenced and threatened while showing photos of some of the worst offenders and urged the public to spread awareness of the situation. He also highlighted a new law that would notify individuals if law enforcement is tracking them via license plate readers, promising to share a video so families can take precautions.