Pal Mar Water Control District Board of Supervisors Elects New Board Member

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Pal Mar Water Control District Board of Supervisors, a new board member was elected, and a resolution adopting the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget was discussed. Additionally, the meeting covered the reissuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering services and surveying, and addressed various community concerns including local drainage and road maintenance issues.

Palisades Park Council Addresses Salary Increase and Anti-Nepotism Policy

Overview: The latest Palisades Park Borough Council meeting addressed fiscal policies, including the establishment of salaries for the year 2024 and the implementation of anti-nepotism rules. Amidst discussions on various resolutions and ordinances, the council members debated a 3% salary increase for municipal employees and the potential merger of the recreation center’s website with the borough’s to cut costs. Additionally, the council confronted issues concerning parking for the upcoming July 4th celebrations and the town’s 125th birthday event.

Red Bank Council Advances Regional Center Designation and Cannabis Tax Allocation

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Red Bank Borough Council tackled a range of issues, from advancing plans to regain the town’s designation as a Regional Center in the state plan to discussing the allocation of funds generated from cannabis sales. Progress was made on both fronts, with an emphasis on updating the municipal self-assessment report for the Regional Center designation and introducing an ordinance to dedicate cannabis transfer tax revenue to the Parks and Recreation trust fund.

Paterson Raises Palestinian Flag in Solidarity

Overview: In a demonstration of international solidarity, the Paterson City Council acknowledged the raising of the Palestinian flag at a recent meeting, an event that showcased the city’s embrace of its Palestinian American community and their cultural and humanitarian concerns. The flag-raising ceremony was accompanied by speeches, performances, and a collective recognition of the ongoing conflict in Palestine, with efforts to promote awareness and unity at the forefront.

Fort Lee School Board Grapples with Classroom Controversy on Middle East Lesson

Overview: A Fort Lee School Board meeting became a forum for heated community debate over a recent classroom lesson on the Gaza War and Middle East history. Public comments revealed deep community divisions on the presentation’s content, with allegations of anti-Semitism, bias, and misinformation taking center stage. Concerns ranged from the portrayal of Hamas, the handling of sensitive topics, to the overall integrity of the school’s educational standards. The board faced calls for teacher accountability, curriculum review, and the importance of a balanced educational approach to politically sensitive subjects.