Starting from the top as always….
We began our week with a hard look at the key bills on energy, data centers and more that found their way to the Governor’s Desk and were/are awaiting action by the Governor. Speaking of energy, state regulators are moving ahead in holding JCP&L accountable with a possible $44M price tag.
We move onto the Department of Community Affairs as a Princeton Resident finds herself wrestling with an assistance program that’s contributing to the very vulnerabilities holding that assistance back.
On the economic front, NJ inflation isn’t slowing down and outpacing the rest of the country; when other economic indicators are brought into the lens, we see more questions than answers. With that said, there was some good news as unemployment fell but payrolls continue to drop.
We wrap up our state coverage with a Supreme Court Decision that reinforces some municipal prerogative when it comes to development decisions.
Onto the locals….
We’ll start in Edison where a resident had their mic cut off and security called in after refusing to provide his name, address and a few choice words which led to a six page letter from FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) asking the Board to revise its policy.
To our old friend Berkeley Heights, where the drama connected to the Townships attempts to overtake the Recreation Commission continues to unfold as the very report used to justify the initial attempt remains in draft weeks after the Council Meeting.
We’re going to break down the 07/21/2026 Berkeley Heights Town Council Agenda piece by piece and we started yesterday with an Ordinance that expands the Police Department by six positions and creates a brand-new deputy chief role ….with no financial impact statement.
Candidate Edmund ‘Tom’ Maciejewski pushes for answers to questions residents have been asking about the Library Budget in his most recent Candidate Statement.
New Providence Residents had their own bit of drama this week as they faced a meeting that saw a one-shot consent agenda that included Affordable Housing, Data Centers and a pile of missing back-up documentation.
On the Socials…
Three Paths to Kidney Donation
Top Five Articles in June
OPINION: The School Ethics Complaint That Exposed More Than It Intended To
With Little Warning, Berkeley Heights Council Moves to Dissolve Volunteer Recreation Commission
Op-Ed: Reserved Seats, Diplomas and the Problem With Special Privileges
The Paper Trail Behind Ordinance 2026-15: Paid Evaluations, Political Ties, and Omitted Minutes
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