Summer camps will welcome children in two months. Since the onset of the Covid pandemic in New Jersey, parents have been seeking ways to get their children outdoors, leading to a significant increase in demand for outdoor camps. Even in the year 2024, some camps have already begun operating in April, and parents are still lining up to enroll their children. Many families opted to immediately re-register for the next year’s summer camp as soon as last summer ended, further limiting available spots. Payment methods vary among different camps. With summer approaching, booking many camps now may require full payment. In the past few months, only deposits were collected and payment plans were allowed. If children are over 16 years old, they can work at day camps; if over 18, they can work at overnight camps.
Ocean County police warned residents not to ignore letters from the US Department of Justice, as they could be legitimate notifications regarding data breaches. It has been reported that about 17 Ocean County residents received letters from the Department of Justice, informing them that a data breach incident at a federal government contractor’s office may have involved their personal information. Over 300,000 individuals in New Jersey alone were affected. The breach occurred due to a ransomware attack on contractor Greylock McKinnon and Associates, potentially exposing sensitive information such as names, addresses, social security numbers, etc. The Department of Justice assured recipients that the breach did not impact federal computers, but experts need time to assess the leaked data.
On April 11, Princeton University’s “New Jersey Artificial Intelligence Summit” attracted numerous experts and speakers to discuss and predict how artificial intelligence will shape the future. One of the most notable speakers was Microsoft President Brad Smith, a 1981 graduate of Princeton University. The summit also celebrated the imminent opening of the Princeton AI Center, announced at the end of last year, serving as an AI research and innovation hub. Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber stated, “This center provides us with a wonderful opportunity to join forces in making bold investments that will have a positive impact on the region, the state, the nation, and the world.” Another keynote speaker, Governor Murphy, added, “We are one of the states that cultivates the most talented workforce in the world,” pointing out the state’s record in influential inventions.
Senior officials from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) indicated that they may have to significantly raise fees for the first time in many years to narrow the widening budget gap. The MVC faces a $50 million deficit in the 2025 fiscal year. Chief Executive Latrecia Littles-Floyd informed state legislators last week that without significant changes, the agency’s revenue cannot cover its operating expenses. Rising operating costs and operational changes are expected to lead to the deficit. In recent years, the MVC has relied on cost-saving measures rather than fee hikes to avoid passing costs onto New Jersey drivers. Littles-Floyd stated that further cost-cutting by the MVC would affect services, but fees will not be increased in the 2025 fiscal year. The MVC last increased fees in 2020, raising vehicle registration fees by $1 at that time.
Vehicle theft remains a major issue in New Jersey, with thieves becoming increasingly brazen, carjacking in broad daylight and even breaking into homes at night to steal car keys. What’s more concerning is that these thefts may be linked to terrorism. Special Agent Jim Dennehy, in charge of the Newark FBI office, revealed that investigators have found more high-end vehicles being shipped overseas to help fund terrorist organizations. New Jersey is a breeding ground for such criminal activities, given its dense population, abundance of high-end vehicles, and proximity to multiple shipping ports, providing convenience for such crimes. The FBI, along with other federal agencies, New Jersey State Police, and port authorities, are working to prevent stolen vehicles from being shipped out. These cars are being transported overseas, primarily to West African countries, providing funds to terrorist organizations. ISIS is the largest organization in the region, with ISIS-West Africa operating mainly in northeastern Nigeria, being the largest and most powerful regional branch of the ISIS terror group.
According to the Boardwalk Special Improvement District, the iconic “watch the tram car, please” sightseeing tramcar project will resume operations on May 11th (Saturday) at the Wildwood Boardwalk. On that day, Mother’s Day weekend, former President Trump plans to visit the area and participate in a special event. The tramcar started carrying passengers on May 5, 2023, initially running only on Saturdays and Sundays in the first few weeks. Starting from May 30, the tramcar will operate seven days a week, starting at noon each day until the pier closes, continuing until Labor Day weekend. The cost of a one-way trip remains the same as last year, at $5. For daytime visitors, an unlimited “hop on, hop off” wristband can be purchased for $13. With the wristband, you can ride the tramcar an unlimited number of times until 5 pm.