State Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-26) continues to press for an investigation into the actions of Gov. Phil Murphy and state officials for their role at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic at long-term care facilities. Following the New York State Bar Association’s Task Force’s report that Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s directive for nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic led to an spike in death in March and April 2020, Pennacchio wants a similar probe taking place in New Jersey and is pushing for legislation to form a bipartisan State Senate Committee to look into the matter. North-JerseyNews.com
The COVID-19 Delta variant is now the dominant strain amongst New Jerseyans. According to the state Department of Health’s latest surveillance report, 70% of COVID cases in the Garden State are this new strain. The CDC has stated that 24 other states in the country are experiencing similar upticks and the predominant amount of cases are Delta variants. Officials are emphasizing that the COVID-19 vaccine has been proven effective against all variants of the virus. NJ.com
The FDA has alerted the public that the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine can lead to a higher risk for developing a rare neurological disease called Guillain–Barré. Regulators discovered that although the chances are low, it is three to five times more likely to develop in Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients. A federal monitoring system has identified 100 suspected cases of Guillain-Barré among recipients of Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose shot that has been delivered to about 12.8 million people. The New York Times
New Jerseyans can now access their COVID-19 vaccination card via a free app called, “Docket.” The new app was created for those who have misplaced or forgot their official vaccination cards. Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli explained that currently only provides access to COVID-19 vaccine cards, however they plan to eventually extend to carrying proof of other immunization records. It is necessary to have a phone number or email address on file with the Health Department’s immunization registry to use the app. New Jersey Herald
Acting Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Laurie Doran is focused on suppressing COVID rumors and encouraging the public to be on the defense against cyber attacks. Doran has emphasized that during the pandemic, both domestic and international terrorists are using this time to expand and revive. Their warfare strategies include disinformation, cyber-attacks, and economic espionage against the federal, state and local governments for strategic and economic advances over the U.S. The Delta variant has been a platform to spread misinformation to the public. NJ1015.com
Sen. Bob Menendez is displaying strong support towards Cuba’s pro-democracy protests to end the long years of communism. Cuba has lived under communist dictatorship since 1959, and Cubans over the weekend took to the streets following the current economic crisis. Sen. Menendez, an outspoken critic of the Cuba regime, blames the persistent economic issues on the violence and suppression of its people. North-JerseyNews.com
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Presidential did not gain any traction at the recently held Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) meeting. Christie failed to hit the 1% mark support from the 1,525 attendees to vote at CPAC Front runners at the poll in Dallas this weekend included former President Donald Trump who got 70% of votes, followed by 21% for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Christie had failed to show up in the February poll in Orlando as well, and has received no support in receiving a bid to campaign for the 2024 presidential election. New Jersey Globe
The majority of New Jersey lawmakers and residents are in mutual agreement to reinstate the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. About 63% of New Jerseyans are in support of restoring the full property tax deduction, as voters feel the cap has not increased their taxes. The SALT cap was signed into action by former President Donald Trump’s administration, and many saw it as an attack on Democratic states. North-JerseyNews.com
Garfield’s Deputy Mayor Erin Delaney has resigned from her position of four years. Delaney emailed her letter of resignation on July 6 and did not provide a reason. She was elected in 2016 to her first term and spent her four years on the city council before stepping down. She is the second official to leave Garfield city council in recent weeks. The Record
Teaneck voters seeking to move municipal elections to November from May have collected nearly 1,400 signatures from supporters. The proposal would retain non-partisan local elections, but hold them in November when voter turnout is higher. Five of the seven council members must support the initiative under a new law passed in 2019 to require super-majorities for ballot initiatives to amend the form of government. A majority of the current Teaneck council is part of a different faction than those seeking to move the election date. The deadline for a 2021 referendum is August 13. New Jersey Globe
Hudson County has officially become the first urban county in New Jersey to have 70% of residents vaccinated. Hudson county served as the epicenter for the COVID-19 outbreak in the state of New Jersey, but they have since reached their goal of 70% vaccinated. Health and government officials obtained the goal by providing vaccine events, walk-in sites and drive throughs. ROI-NJ.com
State Sen. Nicholas Sacco (D-32) received $269,730 for unused sick days from the North Bergen School District spread over the past five years as part of his retirement package. Before he retired, Sacco was making $269,060 a year as the district’s director of elementary and secondary education. According to the records, Sacco cashed in 601.5 sick days at his retirement. Per district policy, he was eligible for one half-day’s pay—roughly $450—for each sick day he took. The Jersey Journal
A Tenafly principal will be reinstated and a teacher will resign after the superintendent’s investigation of an assignment involving Adolf Hitler at an elementary school that went viral. The decision was announced at the July 12 Board of Education meeting, where the board voted to approve Superintendent Shauna DeMarco’s recommendations to accept the teacher’s resignation after a leave of absence ends in January 2021 and allow the return of Principal Jennifer Ferrara to Maugham Elementary School. The Record
Royal Caribbean announced their plans to start cruises again out of Bayonne after over a year of complete shutdown due to the pandemic. In Feb. 2020, passengers on Anthem of the Sea made headlines as passengers showed COVID symptoms after docking in Bayonne, when prior there had been no cases in this area. Ships are planned to set sail in mid August at half capacity, according to Mayor James Davis. Hudson Reporter
And finally…Liberty State Park Interpretive Center has officially opened to the public eight years after Superstorm Sandy’s destruction. NJ.com
