Thursday May 28 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 78° Sunshine and clouds mixed

- Mayor Zohran Mamdani defends his decision to skip the Israel Day Parade, making him the first New York City mayor to bypass the historic event since 1964. "I said on the campaign trail that I wouldn't be attending the parade, and I've made my views on the Israeli government abundantly clear.” “And I also said on that same campaign that I would have a responsibility as the mayor of the city to ensure the safety and security of each and every New Yorker.”

“And I don't believe that my presence as the mayor should determine whether or not a New Yorker is safe or secure."

- The missing girl from Toronto Esther’s parents have released a statement after the teenager was found safe. She has been taken to hospital to be assessed, as police say “the next phase of the investigation is just starting”. 

- The Satmar Rebbe aRav Aaron gave a unscheduled  speech today against the use of AI, which he said is more severe than the “danger of computers, video, and smartphones.” According to him, “With every phone that exists, it is possible to connect and still live within prohibition. With AI  All kinds of matters involving life and death idolatry,  immorality, and murder. A kli mashchis mamash.

- Gov. Mikie Sherrill says NJ health officials were only allowed limited access during an inspection at Delaney Hall after being denied entry to parts of the facility. The state will review and release findings from what it was able to inspect and is calling for full transparency and access going forward.

- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the $250 bill with President Trump's face on it is in the works "There is proposed legislation in front of the House, in front of the Senate to change the [law] so that a living person, Donald J. Trump, could be on a $250 bill

- B"H: Esti the 14 year old Toronto girl missing for 2 weeks was found  and is safe. Esther was located by police. Police will give more details later at a press conference

Safecell Bulletin:

Over the past four to five weeks, Verizon customers in Lakewood have experienced a noticeable decline in service. This appears to be a network issue, not a problem with individual phones. Customers affected by the issue can contact Verizon by dialing 611 to report the problem. Some other carriers may also be affected if they use Verizon’s network.

You may also file a complaint with the FCC through its website or by calling 888-CALL-FCC. Filing a complaint can be an effective way to bring attention to service issues.

- Medicare will begin offering expanded coverage for certain GLP-1 weight loss drugs (Ozempic) starting July 1, 2026, through a temporary program aimed at lowering costs for eligible seniors. Under the program, qualifying Medicare Part D recipients will be able to access approved medications for about $50 per month through the end of 2027.

- Welcome home bochurim: Off shabbos after shavuos  begins tonight 

- Giyus: The IDF military is reportedly preparing proactive arrest operations targeting bnei yeshiva accused of evading military service, with operations in chareidi areas possibly beginning as early as next week.According to Kan News, the IDF has requested major assistance from Israel Police amid expectations of protests and disturbances during the arrests. Joint planning meetings between police and military officials are expected in the coming days. Theres rumors of police setting up checkpoints at the entrance to Yerushalayim

- Hafganos are taking place in Yerushalayim at Bar Ilan and Shmuel hanavie streets as well as in Bnei Brak protesting the arrest of yeshiva bochurim. Several bochurim were arrested today  one of them in Telz stone.

Israel police spraying water cannons on the protesters 

- Adirei HaTorah 70% of tickets for the satellite location have been sold out ahead of the maamad this Sunday. As of now there is no organized bus transportation to Cure arena in Trenton.

- Prime Minister Netanyahu was welcomed with the song of ki orech yamim at the Chashmonaim Chareidi Brigade: he said "My grandfather didn't think there was a contradiction between studying Torah and holding a weapon; he thought the opposite. He thought that studying Torah gives you the power to hold a weapon.And today we need to renew this idea. I respect the world of Torah, but whoever doesn't study Torah must enlist."

- Lakewood township committee meeting today virtual only 5:30 pm watch live stream Here 

 see agenda Here 

Items on the agenda include a six-month extension request for a $1 million NJDOT grant tied to the Lake Carasaljo bike path project, and approval to acquire Block 452, Lot 3 at Prospect and Massachusetts for future park/open space use.

The agenda also includes $440,000 in UEZ funding for the downtown clean team, $2 million for snow-melting machines, and acceptance of a $373,500 bid from Congregation Presidential Estates for Block 1051.09, Lot 10.

Traffic improvements include a new traffic light at Boulevard of the Americas and Avenue of the States, and a new four-way stop at Princewood Avenue and Claire Drive in Hearthstone, and vacating the bulb portion of former cul de sac Claire drive in Hearthstone 

- Six Flags Great Adventure announced plans for a new multi-launch roller coaster, nicknamed “Project Purple,” which park officials say will rank among the five tallest coasters in the world.

The ride will use a magnetic launch system and is expected to become the fastest coaster in the park, with officials saying it will share similarities with the former Kingda Ka.

- A 59-year-old Brick man was killed Tuesday night after losing control of his pickup truck on the Garden State Parkway near Exit 89B, according to New Jersey State Police.

Police said the vehicle struck a guardrail and overturned. The driver, Anthony Guido, was pronounced dead at the scene.

- New Jersey gas prices are continuing to decline heading into the summer driving season, following a broader nationwide trend after earlier price spikes in 2026. Analysts say fuel demand remains below peak levels seen in past decades, even as Americans continue driving record numbers of miles.

- Four candidates seeking to challenge Democrat Cory Booker, Robert Lebovics, Justin Michael Murphy, Richard Tabor and Alex Zdan will participate in a debate sponsored by the New Jersey Globe and Rider University

-Submitted: Please Email legislators to actively oppose NJ's transgender/abortion-at-whim-tyranny Gezeira al-HaDas S2260/ A2218. NJ Bill S2260/ A2218 Would Criminalize Lo Sa'amod, Endanger Children S2260 criminalizes Torah-mandated efforts to save kids and others from "transforming" their "gender" - and from committing abortion.

 A Yeshiva Rebbe, Rov, Rosh Yeshiva, Principal, Teacher/Morah, Social Worker, mental health professional, therapist, chevrusa, mentor - perhaps even a parent - could potentially face massive fines - and hefty jail time - for merely: • trying to verbally convince a girl or boy out of getting drugs or surgery to "become" (sic) that which they are not, or • convince a young woman not to murder her preborn infant (and pursue adoption if need be), or even for just • saving her/him from remaining under the influence of evil parties (e.g. predatory therapists, "eductors," social workers, coaches, "medical" staff, mental health professionals, "friends") - grooming susceptible, often disadvantaged victims into their anti-Torah, heretical transgender/abortionism worldview.