Latest news with #PhilMurphy
Fox News
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Fox News
New Jersey's ban on privately operated ICE detention centers struck down by court
A U.S. appeals court struck down a law in New Jersey that prevented the federal government from contracting with private firms to operate immigration detention centers across the state. The court's 2-1 ruling marked a victory for President Donald Trump and his administration during their ongoing illegal immigration crackdown across the country. One of the Trump administration's efforts has been to expand a network of detention centers in preparation for the deportations of dangerous illegal aliens. The court's ruling also means CoreCivic Corp., a private prison firm, can continue to operate the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility, which is one of the centers ramping up deportations. In the decision, U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas, who was appointed to the post by Trump, wrote, "Just as states cannot regulate the federal government itself, they cannot regulate private parties in a way that severely undercuts a federal function." Bibas added that the law "interferes with the federal government's core power to enforce immigration laws." New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, signed a law in 2021 that barred CoreCivic from renewing its agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to continue operating the Elizabeth Detention Center. CoreCivic ultimately sued the state, resulting in a district court judge siding with the private firm. The state then appealed the ruling to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court and received a decision counter to what it had hoped. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin expressed disappointment about the decision in a post on X on Tuesday. "As recent events at Delaney Hall underscore, entrusting detention to for-profit companies poses grave risks to health and safety, and as the dissenting judge noted, States retain broad latitude to protect the health and safety of people within their borders – particularly where, as here, there is no conflict with federal legislation," Platkin wrote, in part. Platkin added he is evaluating the next steps in the case. CoreCivic's Ryan Gustin told Fox News Digital that the company has "played a limited but important role" in the U.S. immigration center at the Elizabeth facility for more than 25 years. "We appreciate that we've had the opportunity to present our positions to the courts and are grateful to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals for reaffirming the federal government's discretion to rely on the Elizabeth Detention Center to support its vital mission," Gustin said. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., was hit with a federal indictment for allegedly obstructing Homeland Security agents during an incident outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark on May 9. McIver and two other members of Congress said they were conducting a congressional oversight visit that coincided with an immigration protest when a clash ensued with federal agents. According to the DOJ, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was allowed into the facility's secured area and refused to follow federal agents' warnings to leave. When officers tried to arrest him, McIver allegedly put her arms around the mayor and "slammed her forearm" into one officer while grabbing another and using both of her forearms to forcibly strike the second officer. McIver has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Associated Press
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
NJ law banning immigration detention contracts overturned by US appeals court
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday struck down a New Jersey law that bans operators from contracting with the federal government to run immigration detention centers in the state. The 2-1 ruling means the private prison firm CoreCivic Corp. can continue to operate the Elizabeth Detention Center. The ruling marked a victory for President Donald Trump's administration as it continues a crackdown on immigration around the country that has included efforts to expand a network of detention centers in a bid to ramp up deporations of certain immigrants. 'Just as states cannot regulate the federal government itself, they cannot regulate private parties in a way that severely undercuts a federal function,' U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas, an appointee of President Trump, wrote. The law, he said, 'interferes with the federal government's core power to enforce immigration laws.' The 2021 law signed by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy barred CoreCivic from renewing its contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The company sued, and a district judge sided with the firm before the state appealed the ruling to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court. Attorney General Matthew Platkin, in a social media post, called Tuesday's ruling disappointing and said states have the right to protect people within their borders. He said the office is considering its next steps. 'As recent events at Delaney Hall underscore, entrusting detention to for-profit companies poses grave risks to health and safety,' he said, referring to recent turmoil over conditions at a 1,000-bed private prison facility that opened in May in Newark. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, a Democrat, was charged by Trump's Justice Department with assaulting immigration officers at a May 9 visit to the Newark facility. McIver has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was also arrested on a trespassing charge at Delaney Hall that was later dropped, has filed a malicious prosecution lawsuit. CoreCivic, in a statement Tuesday, said that it does not make arrests or enforce immigration laws. 'Our responsibility is to care for each person respectfully and humanely while they receive the legal due process that they are entitled to,' spokesman Ryan Gustin said.
Newsweek
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
New Jersey Governor Doesn't Rule Out Redistricting That Could Target GOP
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said this week he is not ruling out the possibility of redrawing the state's Congressional districts to counter Texas Republicans' redraw efforts. However, any attempt at changing the Garden State's Congressional boundaries will face a major legal roadblock, Dan Cassino, professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, told Newsweek. "The New Jersey Constitution explicitly forbids a mid-decade redistricting, unless the state's districts are struck down by a court, so the odds of New Jersey redistricting are slim to none," Cassino said. Newsweek reached out to the New Jersey Democratic and Republican parties, as well as Murphy's office, for comment. Why It Matters Democrats and Republicans are facing a growing "arms race" over Congressional redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections after Texas Republicans, with the support of President Donald Trump, entered a special session to address their redraw. Trump has said he'd like to see Republicans gain five new seats from the process. Democrats are now responding by warning they could redraw Congressional lines in blue-leaning states. California Governor Gavin Newsom has said the state could retaliate, and Murphy has not ruled it out, he told reporters this week. These redistricting battles could have key implications for the midterms, when Democrats are hoping to win back a House majority. What To Know Murphy said on Monday there are no current plans to alter New Jersey's district lines but that it is "too early" to make a definitive statement on the matter, reported The New Jersey Globe. He also said it could be a conversation for Democratic governors in upcoming meetings. "I suspect as the Democratic governors get together for a drink or a coffee, this will be high on the agenda," he said. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks in Asbury Park, New Jersey on November 3, 2021. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks in Asbury Park, New Jersey on November 3, 2021. EduardoHowever, Democrats would have needed to have already started the process of changing the law if they wanted to redraw their boundaries by next November, Cassino said. "Of course, this is Jersey, so the fact that something wouldn't be strictly legal hasn't always stopped folks from trying things in the past, but this would also require gutting the bi-partisan committee that redraws the districts, so it's not something that could be forced through easily or without a great deal of controversy," he said. It could also be risky to Democratic incumbents, he said. "Moreover, while you could draw one more Dem-leaning district in the state, you could only do so by making some existing districts a lot more competitive: the exact opposite of what Democrats proposed in 2020, when they shored up Dem districts, at a cost of making one district more friendly to Republicans. That would be dangerous, if not in 2028, then in later elections, where it would leave Democrats vulnerable to a wave election," he said. Currently, Democrats hold nine of the state's 12 Congressional districts and are targeting New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District, a battleground held by Republican Representative Tom Kean. Additionally, Democratic Representative Nellie Pou represents a Trump-won district based around Paterson, which was once a Democratic stronghold but shifted to the right last November. Democratic Representatives Herb Conaway, Josh Gottheimer, Frank Pallone and Mikie Sherrill all represent seats that former Vice President Kamala Harris won by a single-digit margin last November. Redistricting 'Arms Race' Ahead of Midterms Texas Governor Greg Abbott called for a special session that began on Monday to address several topics of concern, including redistricting. Republicans are hoping to thwart losses in the midterms. Historically, the party in the White House loses seats during the midterms. In 2018, Democrats gained 41 seats to reclaim control of the House. Newsom responded to the news about Texas' redistricting in an X post earlier this month, writing, "Two can play this game." However, California has an independent redistricting committee, passed by the state's voters in 2010, so it's not clear if the state could legally do so. Many Democratic-leaning states similarly have independent commissions, limiting the party's ability to respond to the move from Texas. There are other potential redraws in Ohio, where Republicans are hoping to make a few Democratic-held seats more conservative, and Utah, where Democrats are hoping to see a newly drawn Salt Lake City seat that would lean to the left. What People Are Saying Dan Cassino told Newsweek: "I don't think that there is going to be any serious attempt to redraw the districts before 2030, but I don't think any such attempt would make much of a difference in the gubernatorial election. These sort of process issues rarely resonate with New Jersey voters, and anyone who is paying attention right now is paying a lot more attention to the news out of Washington" Lakshya Jain of Split Ticket wrote on X on Sunday: "This is some of the most speculative cope I've seen. Democrats don't have a House majority in Minnesota right now and would likely require amendments in California, New York, New Jersey, and Washington." What Happens Next With the Texas special session underway, blue states will continue exploring ways to counter the redraw effort. Any attempt to alter New Jersey's map faces significant legal barriers, however.
Politico
a day ago
- Business
- Politico
An SHBP show
Good Tuesday morning! Still no update on who our U.S. attorney will be come Wednesday as of the time this newsletter was filed last night. More on that from POLITICO's Ry Rivard below. But since I am the interim Playbooker this morning, let me take a minute to talk about an issue that will take up a lot of Gov. Phil Murphy's time during his final days in Trenton: fixing the state's beleaguered health insurance program for government workers. The State Health Benefits Program is facing massive proposed rate hikes for the upcoming plan year. Its coverage for local governments is in a 'death spiral.' And the current state budget requires state workers to find $100 million in recurring savings in a six-month period. Amid this backdrop, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin is supporting a labor-backed bill that revamps the SHBP and is set for a rare summer committee hearing. That bill overhauls the governance and makeup of the board that oversees the SHBP — giving unions more leverage than they currently have — and changes how local government employees pay for their health care contributions that could insulate them from future rate hikes. But that effort may be dead right out of the gate: One executive branch official told Playbook that the bill is an 'unserious proposal' and a 'complete non-starter.' A key concern from other administration officials is that they are skeptical the proposal would achieve meaningful savings to make the SHBP solvent in the long run. They also said that the governance structure would prevent the commission from being nimble. (The bill does allow for an independent arbitrator to make decisions in the event of a prolonged stalemate, although it could take weeks, if not months, to get to that point.) Amid all this, Senate President Nick Scutari has proposed a time-honored Trenton tradition: create a task force for recommendations on SHBP fixes, as per an op-ed. A spokesperson for Senate Democrats said that setting up the task force 'doesn't rule any idea in or out.' Murphy declined to comment on the bill when asked about it in Trenton yesterday, but said the situation on the health benefits was 'complicated.' 'It's probably six or seven bank shots that would all have to come together,' he said of a potential long-term fix. 'Folks are gonna have to revisit what the state's putting in, on the other side what the workers are putting in. It depends on the plan, but the fact of the matter is the math is not working and we need to find ways to make the math work.' More on this below. FEEDBACK? Reach me at Dhan@ WHERE'S MURPHY — In Trenton with first lady Tammy Murphy for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'Kim, it'll be nice to have you hanging here. Not literally.' — Gov. Phil Murphy, during the unveiling of former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno's portrait HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Alexis Degan, Marelyn Rivera, former Rep. Mike Ferguson and former Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano WHAT TRENTON MADE Labor-backed public worker health insurance bill has rare summer hearing — and some pushback, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: Assembly Democrats are moving forward with a rare summer committee hearing on a labor-backed bill that overhauls the state's beleaguered health insurance program for state and local government employees. It's already facing hurdles. The legislation, NJ A5903 (24R), has the backing of Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. But one executive branch official, granted anonymity to speak candidly on the pending bill, described it as a 'complete non-starter' that would 'accelerate the death spiral and collapse of the [State Health Benefits Program].' Other administration officials have questioned whether the proposal would achieve meaningful savings. THE NOT UNTOUCHABLES — Gov. Phil Murphy did not rule out the possibility of redrawing the state's congressional map as Texas Republicans are trying to overhaul their congressional map in a way that would benefit Republicans. 'No news to make, other than I will quote Sean Connery in 'The Untouchables': 'Never bring a knife to a gunfight,'' Murphy told reporters at an unrelated event. 'So if that's the way we're going, we're from Jersey, baby, and we won't be laying down.' The comments come as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently told CNN that national Democrats are considering several states — including New Jersey — to redraw their congressional maps if Texas moves forward with its proposal. But an attempt to overhaul the state's current congressional map mid-decade would almost certainly require a state constitutional amendment. For the uninitiated, that would require a resolution to pass the Legislature in two years with a simple majority or one year with a supermajority — and then it goes to the voters for approval. (The deadline is August to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall.) That's a lot of cooks in the kitchen. Also a relevant throwback: New Jersey lawmakers tried to amend the constitution in a way that would boost Democrats several years ago, but that effort ultimately failed. It's worth noting that the governor has no official role in amending the constitution in New Jersey. Still, Murphy said the issue would likely be discussed among other Democratic governors during an upcoming National Governors Association meeting. 'I suspect as the Democratic governors get together for a drink or a coffee, this will be high on the agenda,' he said. — Daniel Han — 'Assembly nominee accused of abuse faces criminal summons after sharing nude photos,' by New Jersey Globe's Zach Blackburn: 'A New Jersey physician filed a criminal complaint against Democratic Assembly nominee Ron Arnau on Monday, saying the candidate illegally shared nude photographs of him with the New Jersey Globe earlier this month. Physician Cristian Serna-Tamayo alleged Arnau, who is running for Assembly in the 40th legislative district, physically and emotionally abused him during a relationship from 2014 to 2016. Serna-Tamayo, in sworn statements from the time and in an interview with the New Jersey Globe, said Arnau held him at knifepoint for three hours in 2016, leading the pair to receive mutual temporary restraining orders; they later reached an agreement to drop the restraining orders. Arnau was never criminally charged in the matter and is now married to a different man. He has denied the allegations.' BEACH BURN — 'Attorney general blasts 'outrageous' claims lobbed by state senator,' by New Jersey Monitor's Sophie Nieto-Munoz: 'A South Jersey state senator's accusations that Attorney General Matthew Platkin is using his office to pursue political vendettas are 'outrageous, totally ridiculous, and wrong,' Platkin said Monday. 'I think we know his politics and frankly, you know, I wish the folks in Trenton — Democrat and Republican — would spend more time focused on how they improve the lives of people's families and less time attacking people who are trying to help them,' Platkin told the New Jersey Monitor Monday after an unrelated event in Newark. Platkin and the state senator in question, James Beach, are both Democrats, but Beach is an ally of South Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross, whom Platkin indicted on since-dismissed racketeering charges last year. Beach, who represents Camden County, last week sent a letter to Senate President Nick Scutari asking for legislative hearings in the fall on what Beach called Platkin's 'gross mismanagement and overtly political behavior.'' — New Jersey Monitor: New Statehouse portrait honors former lieutenant governor TRUMP ERA HABBA HUBBUB — Alina Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, is expected to learn today whether she can keep her job. Habba, a former personal attorney to Donald Trump, has drawn scrutiny for prosecuting the mayor of the state's largest city and a member of Congress and investigating the governor. Her 120-day interim appointment expires today and the president has nominated her to a full term, but her fate remains unclear. In an unusual process, district court judges were expected to have met Monday to decide whether she can stay on in the near-term — they could vote to keep her, not keep her or try to pick someone else for the role. Chief Judge Renee Bumb's office said nothing about their work, which is now subject to intense outside scrutiny on social media. In a social media post, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, called Habba the 'so-called U.S. Attorney' and accused her of 'maliciously' charging Rep. LaMonica McIver with felonies following a chaotic May incident outside an immigration detention facility in Newark. A trespassing charge filed that day against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was dropped. Jeffries said Habba 'must be rejected by the Federal District Court judges who are considering whether to retain her.' Conservative lawyer Mike Davis said he was filing a House ethics complaint against Jeffries for 'strong-arming' the 17 judges, 15 of whom were appointed by Democrats. Davis' move drew praise from Trump allies. On his show, Steve Bannon criticized 'radical neo-Marxist federal judges in New Jersey working with Hakeem Jeffries' for trying to ditch Habba. Todd Blanche, who also represented Trump before joining his administration as a deputy attorney general, said on social media that Habba 'has the full confidence of DOJ leadership.' If the judges do appoint a successor to Habba, it could set up a showdown with the executive branch if Trump moved to fire that person. Trump has asked the Senate to confirm Habba to a full term, but it's clear New Jersey's two Democratic senators don't want the nomination to proceed. — Ry Rivard CONGRESSIONAL GOP OPPOSE SANDY RELIEF AGAIN — 'Shore towns get no federal dollars for beach replenishments for the first time in almost 30 years,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Frank Kummer: 'Congress typically allocates between $100 million and $200 million each year for beach replenishment initiatives — projects that dredge sand from the ocean floor or other places and deposit it onto U.S. coastal beaches to combat erosion. This year, however, the federal budget earmarked zero dollars — marking the first complete funding halt for such projects since 1996. And it's possible that zero might carry over into next year as Congress debates spending priorities.' CROSSING BRIDGES — Former Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Vikas Khanna is joining Sills Cummis & Gross P.C. as chair of its White Collar Practice Group. As a prosecutor, Khanna is perhaps best known for prosecuting the Bridgegate trial. — POLITICO: Gottheimer's only challenger ends bid — NJ Globe: 'Anna Lee Williams becomes first Democrat to enter race for NJ-11' — NJ Monitor: 'NJ governor candidates split on housing immigrant detainees at Fort Dix' — The Record: 'A third of new members on US DOT advisory committee have NJ ties" — The Record: 'Medicaid work requirements cut coverage for thousands in other states. Can NJ do better?' LOCAL WHAT'S BLACK, WHITE AND RED BANK ALL OVER — 'A legal complaint to remove an arrest record raises free speech issue in Red Bank,' by the Asbury Park Press' Olivia Liu: 'In an attempt to keep his assault arrest from showing up in internet searches, a Red Bank resident filed a criminal complaint against a local news outlet to get it to remove the original news item. The complaint raises the issue of what the press can print and what restrictions the government may impose on it. Red Bank Green publisher Kenneth Katzgrau and reporter Brian Donohue were named in the complaint that was filed by Kyle Pietila, who had his arrest record expunged about six months after the arrest. The case is being heard in Red Bank Municipal Court.' 'N.J. school district blames state for 'unbearable' 25% tax hike on residents,' By NJ Advance Media's Nyah Marshall: 'A Monmouth County town is blasting New Jersey education officials over deep school aid cuts, saying it was forced to impose a 25% tax hike on its residents. Neptune Township has lost more than $20 million in state aid since New Jersey revised its school funding formula in 2018. For the 2025-26 school year alone, the district saw a $4 million drop in aid, officials said. Struggling to make up the multimillion-dollar budget gap, the district was forced to raise property taxes by $17 million — the largest increase in the township's history, according to Mayor Robert Lane.' EVERYTHING ELSE CHRISTIE SPEAKS — Chris Christie backs Seton Hall president amid clergy abuse investigation, by POLITICO's Dustin Racioppi: Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Monday he supports Seton Hall University's president amid an investigation into his past handling of clergy abuse allegations. Christie is one of the most prominent graduates of Seton Hall's law school and his wife, Mary Pat, recently left the school's Board of Regents without explanation. BIG DAY FOR 'NY/NJ' — 'NJ and NYC Expect $3.3 Billion Boost From Hosting World Cup,' by Bloomberg's Sri Taylor: 'New York City and New Jersey officials are projecting a $3.3 billion economic boost to the region from hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The region will host eight matches at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, including the final on July 19, 2026, expecting to bring in over 1.2 million fans and tourists, according to an economic impact summary released Monday by the NYNJ Host Committee, the local body responsible for organizing the games. The tournament will generate $1.3 billion in projected total labor income for the regional economy, and $1.7 billion in projected spending within the regional economy by match and non-match attendees, according to the committee's estimates.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Storm update: Two deaths reported in Central Jersey after torrential rain, flooding
Heavy rain in Central Jersey from a July 14 storm killed two people in Union County and brought flashed flooding that left local streets and highways impassable and motorists stranded. Two women died in Plainfield when a vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook during the height of the storm, according to Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. Emergency personnel responded quickly, but both people died at the scene. Mapp said the women's names are being withheld pending notification of their families. 'All of Plainfield grieves this latest loss. To lose four residents in such a short span of time is unimaginable," said Mapp, referring to the two men who died after a tree fell on their vehicle during the July 3 storm. "We mourn with the families, and we remain committed to doing all we can to strengthen our emergency response systems and protect our residents from future harm.' One Parkview Avenue home in North Plainfield was destroyed after an explosion late Monday night at the same time there was flash flooding in the area. Gov. Phil Murphy said the cause of the explosion is under investigation, and no one was hurt in the blast. The explosion as well as water rescues occurred at a time when some areas of Somerset County, like Watchung and North Plainfield, received more than 5 inches of rain in about four hours, while Hillsborough received about 3 and parts of Union County, like Linden and Clark, received more than 5 inches of rain. The heavy rain resulted in reports of foundation damage and buildings in danger of collapse in North Plainfield and Dunellen. Route 22 and Route 28 were closed in both directions to clear debris and make emergency roadway repairs caused by flooding in Somerset and Middlesex counties. Motorists are advised to avoid both roads. Gov. Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency for all 21 counties due to flooding caused by torrential rains and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. During a Tuesday news conference in Berkeley Heights, Murphy said New Jersey is seeing more frequent and more intense storms. He said Berkeley Heights experienced 6 inches of rain in less than two hours and more similar weather is likely. "This clearly was a significant weather event," said Murphy, adding water has killed more people during his time as governor than any other type of weather event, including power outages, tornadoes and snow storms. "We have not experienced anything like this in decades," said Mapp, who reported cars in the city were stranded in flood waters, while homes and businesses took on water in basements after flood waters rose two to three feet. More: See rainfall totals in your Central Jersey town Route 22 closed Route 22 was closed in both directions between Washington Avenue in Green Brook and Terrill Road in Watchung. There is severe damage in four locations on Route 22, including sections where the roadway has buckled and heaved, median barrier has been dislodged and washed into travel lanes, and debris is covering the highway. Abandoned cars that were caught in the flood waters need to be 22 eastbound was closed near Washington Avenue at approximately 9 p.m. July 14 due to roadway damage near Jefferson Avenue (mile post 42.5) in Green Brook caused by flooding. As flood waters receded, three other locations were identified with significant damage: Mile post 43.5 west of West End Avenue/Cardinal Lane in North Plainfield Mile post 44.7 at Somerset Street in North Plainfield Mile post 46.5 west of Terrill Road in Watchung Crews were on scene and working to clear debris and make repairs to the damaged roadway. It is unclear how long repairs may take. Motorists should avoid using Route 22 in this area. Bridgewater police report Route 22 west at Thompson Avenue reopened around noon July 15. Route 28 closed Route 28 is closed in both directions between Mountain Avenue (mile post 2.86) in Bridgewater, Somerset County and Warrenville Road (mile post 11.36) in Dunellen due to damage from flooding. Motorists should avoid using Route 28 in this area. Route 28 has reopened in all directions in Middlesex Borough, according to police who reported other roads still remain closed. More than seven inches of rain fell over a two hour period in South Plainfield, resulting in numerous calls and 50 plus water rescues all over the Borough, according to a post on the South Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department's Facebook page. New Market Avenue and Clinton Avenue Extension are closed, according to South Plainfield Business Administrator Glenn Cullen. He said police made about 50 water rescues for people stranded in vehicles. Those rescued on the northside of the borough were brought to the rescue squad building on Plainfield Avenue while those rescued on the southside were brought to the Holiday Inn on Stelton Road. Borough Hall and the library operated July 15 on a two-hour delayed opening. The municipal building is operating on generator power. The community pool had large amounts of silt and dirt that the flood waters brought down from West Crescent Parkway and will likely need a week to be operational again. Legends camp is open, but all other camp activities at the schools are closed. Hope 4 Paws Humane Society, the former Plainfield Area Humane Society on Rock Avenue, Plainfield reported on Facebook they lost everything in the storm, including food, bedding, litter and other supplies. All of the animals, who were found sitting in the dark with water filling their cages, are safe after being moved to higher ground. Linden police reported first responders assisted a number of drivers to safety after their vehicles were disables in the flood waters, and firefighters made nearly a dozen more boat rescues. After the rain stopped, Fire Department personnel also pumped out nearly two dozen residential basements. All Linden roadways were reopened, and most abandoned vehicles have been moved to the side of the road. There were a couple of transformer issues overnight, but there are currently no widespread power outages in the city. Linden Public Works is working to clear the streets and catch basins of debris, especially in flooded areas, police said in a Facebook post. The American Red Cross is in Dunellen supporting the Offices of the Mayor, Borough Administration and the Dunellen Office of Emergency Management. Their team has set up a tent in the back parking lot of the George W. Hodulik Firehouse, 231 S. Madison Ave., to provide cleanup kits and water to residents at no cost. The Red Cross will be on site until 7 p.m. July 15 and from 9 a.m. to noon July 16, 17 and 18. The team will load all supplies into residents' vehicles upon 5 to 7 p.m. July 15, the Red Cross will be offering a free, light meal at the firehouse to Dunellen residents who are without power to assist with their needs. Throughout the next few days, American Red Cross teams will also visit areas throughout the Borough affected by the storm to provide aid to residents. If you are in need of immediate assistance, call 1 (800) REDCROSS or 1 (800) 733-2767. Email: sloyer@ Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on NJ storm update: Two deaths reported in Central Jersey after flooding
