New Jersey’s unemployment claims passed one million May 7 as Gov. Phil Murphy expressed his confidence in Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. There are still over 300,000 claims the state has still not processed. Additionally, the 120 National Guardsmen will be deployed to long-term care facilities throughout the state, with the first 22 arriving at the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center. North-JerseyNews.com
Gov. Phil Murphy said the Bridgegate scandal remains a “stain” on public trust after the U.S. Supreme Court threw out convictions against two former Gov. Chris Christie allies in the high-profile case. “This was a big dent in the reputation in our state, in the trust our people have in the way the state works, and you could argue that we’re still digging out of it in some respects,” said Murphy. NJ.com
With Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, Gov. Phil Murphy expects New Jersey’s beaches to reopen by then, with some restrictions. “I will be shocked if our beaches are not open, but with very specific guidance, just as we opened county and state parks,” Murphy said. “You should expect we’ll give guidance on beaches before Memorial Day.” NJ.com
Rutgers University has launched a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of a new COVID-19 drug that could help prevent serious illness and death in early-stage. The drug is administered orally, and is said to be anti-inflammatory and very safe. It will be given to newly hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. News12 New Jersey
At least 12 children in New Jersey have been or are being treated for a syndrome that resembles Kawasaki disease, an illness that causes inflammation in blood vessels. The majority of the patients, who range between the ages of 3 and 13, have recovered and none have died. All five who were treated at Hackensack University Medical Center have been discharged. Three of the five at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital remain in intensive care and one of the two at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center remains hospitalized. The Record
A majority of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents think it is too soon to reopen their states and want officials should to prioritize curbing the spread of the coronavirus, according to new Quinnipiac University. More than 50% of tri-state residents said it would take a few months or longer before lifting restrictions on businesses is safe while fewer than 40% of residents said the region should reopen immediately or in the next few weeks. The Wall Street Journal
New Jersey residents overwhelmingly have been majorly affected by the COVID-19 crisis, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton poll. Eight in 10 residents, 79%, said the pandemic has majorly impacted their communities and 70% said the virus has had a significant impact on their day-to-day life. New Jersey Globe
The Sussex County Chamber of Commerce wants to increase pressure on Gov. Phil Murphy to allow businesses to begin reopening. Chamber leadership insists businesses are prepared to follow safety protocols put in place including social distancing and cleaning/sanitizing standards and is urging members to convey that message to the governor. New Jersey Herald
New Jersey’s fishing industry will receive $11 million The CARES Act to help cope with the coronavirus. The aid, the ninth largest among states eligible, will be available for commercial fishing businesses, charter and for-hire fishing boats, aquaculture, processors and other businesses involved in the fishing industry. NJ.com
Hoboken will save about $2.5 million annually as a result of eliminating 26 municipal positions, 15 of which were retirements. Many of those 15 employees retired after being informed by the state Civil Service Commission that they faced potential layoff or demotion. The Jersey Journal
A plan to alleviate flooding along the Peckman River in Little Falls and Woodland Park received approval from the Army Corp of Engineers. The $146 million project calls for constructing a 1,500-ft. long, 40-ft. wide double box water diversion culvert from the Peckman River to the Passaic River. The Record
Ten Archdiocese of Newark Catholic schools will close at the end of the academic year. Academy of St. Therese of Lisieux in Cresskill, St. Anne School in Fair Lawn, Trinity Academy in Caldwell, Good Shepherd Academy in Irvington, Our Lady Help of Christians School in East Orange, St. James the Apostle School in Springfield, The Academy of Our Lady of Peace in New Providence, Holy Spirit School in Union, St. Genevieve School in Elizabeth and Cristo Rey Newark High School will shut down. NJ.com
And finally…of course there might be snow in the forecast for this weekend. NJ.com
