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May 9, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy, alongside Rosie Taravella, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross New Jersey Region, and Shereef Elnahal, President and Chief Executive Officer of University Hospital, today announced two new American Red Cross convalescent plasma collection sites in northern New Jersey. Convalescent plasma collection will begin at the American Red Cross blood center in Fairfield and University Hospital in Newark on Monday, May 11. 

In late March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new initiative to collect plasma from those who have recovered from novel coronavirus to treat patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections. This therapy uses the blood plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 to treat new patients who are severely ill with the virus. The blood plasma from recovered patients contains antibodies that may help critically ill patients fight the virus. Historically, convalescent plasma has been used as a potentially life-saving treatment in situations when new diseases or infections develop quickly, and no treatments or vaccines were available yet.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated our communities and hit North Jersey particularly hard,” said Governor Murphy. “By opening two convalescent plasma collections sites in North Jersey, where there is a concentration of the state’s highest infection rates and deaths, the American Red Cross can identify more donors and better serve patients in need of this therapy. I am extremely grateful to the partnership between the American Red Cross and University Hospital for their collaboration in bringing convalescent plasma collection and therapy together for the benefit of our fellow New Jerseyans.”

“I’d like to thank Governor Murphy for his insight into this treatment’s potential, his concern for the people of New Jersey, and for taking action to bring the American Red Cross together with University Hospital in Newark for this partnership to help increase the collection of lifesaving plasma,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “We look forward to working with Dr. Elnahal and the team at University Hospital. In times of crisis, the Red Cross is fortunate to witness the best of humanity as people roll up a sleeve to help those in need. We greatly appreciate the generosity of the public, and those recovered COVID-19 patients who step up in an effort to help someone during this difficult time.”

“In our battle against COVID-19, we are excited to be trialing this potential life-saving therapy.  The number of folks who are willing to donate their plasma to save the lives of their fellow citizens is a testament to the residents of our state,” said Shereef Elnahal, President and CEO of University Hospital. “Thank you to The Red Cross for joining us right here in Newark for this fight.”

The American Red Cross joined the FDA’s effort to support the collection and distribution of convalescent plasma. Together, they have worked around the clock to put this new initiative in place by establishing a process to identify, qualify and collect convalescent plasma safely from recovered COVID-19 individuals, at both Red Cross and other local blood collection organizations around the country.

University Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the state to receive the FDA approval for convalescent plasma treatment in New Jersey and remains one of only a few hospitals in the state offering this treatment. Approximately 100 COVID-19 patients at University Hospital have been treated with convalescent plasma. The effectiveness of this treatment is not yet known – but many patients that have received this therapy at University Hospital have recovered, which is a promising sign. University Hospital practitioners and researchers, along with others across the country, continue to monitor and investigate the progress of COVID-19 patients who receive this treatment.

Eligible individuals must be fully recovered from COVID-19 and symptom free, and must otherwise meet regular blood donation eligibility criteria. Individuals are encouraged to register to donate at RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid.Once registered, someone will follow up to qualify the potential donor, and once qualified, the donor will receive an appointment time and location to donate. Please note that plasma collection is by appointment only.

Other New Jersey hospitals are participating in the FDA’s program to access convalescent plasma for their patients by accessing one of the three pathways which they can acquire plasma. If not already registered to participate with the Red Cross to access plasma, hospitals may register here:

https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients/clinician-registration.html

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April 18, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers will be allowed open for personal use as long as strict social distancing and sanitization protocols are followed. Chartered watercraft services or rentals will not be allowed, and restaurant activity at these sites must be limited to take-out or delivery only, like anywhere else in the three states. This announcement aligns the policies of the three states on this particular service. “We’ve committed to working with our regional partners throughout this crisis to align our policies when and where appropriate,” said Governor Murphy. “A unified approach is the most effective way to alleviate confusion for the residents of our states during the ongoing public health emergency.”“Throughout this pandemic, we’ve worked closely with our friends in neighboring states to implement a uniform regional approach to reducing the spread of the virus,” Governor Cuomo said. “Aligning our polices in this area is another example of that strong partnership, and will help ensure there is no confusion or ‘state shopping’ when it comes to marinas and boatyards.” “Our states share workforces, resources, public transit, and we all have share a connection on the water,” Governor Lamont said. “This is yet another example of how our states have shared interests, which is all the more reason to collaborate on these kinds of decisions. This decision provides uniformity across our marinas.”

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks about a chart showing growth in confirmed covid-19 cases during his Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy adjusts his mask before the Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is shown before his Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks about a chart showing total individuals in ICU/CCU during his Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.

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In-Person Transactions Will be Limited; Customers Encouraged to Use NJMVC.gov

June 5, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy and Chief Administrator Sue Fulton of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) today announced plans for a phased reopening of MVC facilities to the public following closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening will proceed in a way that safeguards public health and safety, bringing many changes and improved efficiencies to Commission operations.
“With the phased reopening of the Motor Vehicle Commission, we’re passing another important milestone on the Road Back,’’ said Governor Murphy. “The MVC is implementing smart, innovative plans to safely deliver motor vehicle services to New Jerseyans as we continue the fight against COVID-19.’’
“The old MVC crowded a lot of people into a lot of small spaces. We can’t operate like that in a COVID-19 world,” said Chief Administrator Sue Fulton. “Our reopening plan re-imagines MVC workflows, with streamlined processes to clear the backlog and ensure that you spend as little time as possible at MVC.”
“Our first priority is to ensure the health and safety of our employees and customers,” continued Fulton. “We will be reopening in phases, aligning with the principles of the Governor’s statewide reopening plan.”MVC workspaces have been extensively overhauled during the COVID-19 closure to add Plexiglas barriers and other social distancing measures. MVC employees are returning to the agencies next week, for Health & Safety briefings, hardware and software reboots, and training on new protocols.Going forward, everyone who enters the MVC agency will be required to wear a face covering. That includes customers as well as employees. If a customer cannot wear a face covering, MVC will make other arrangements for their transaction.

In order to limit crowds and speed services during the phased reopening, some agencies have been designated as Licensing Centers and some as Vehicle Centers. Lists of Licensing Centers and Vehicle Centers (attached), as well as information on transactions, will be posted soon at NJMVC.gov.

Drop-off and pick-up transactions will be processed starting June 15, but only the following:

• At designated Licensing Centers, MVC will be processing and validating permits from driving schools and high schools on a drop-off basis. 

• At designated Vehicle Centers, MVC will be processing registration and title work from dealers. License plates can also be surrendered by drop-off at these agencies in a designated area.

MVC will also be processing registration/title transfers for private sales by a new combination online and mail-in procedure. Customers will be able to sign up for this option at NJMVC.gov. More detail will be provided in the next few days. These activities will clear a three-month backlog from our March 15 closure.

Road tests and the issuing of new licenses and permits are tentatively expected to start on June 29 (subject to change), with some additional transactions like out-of-state transfers and private sales registrations, but still on a limited basis to prevent crowding. 

The Commission has tripled road-testing capacity, adding 11 courses and reassigning over 100 Safety Specialists to serve as road test examiners for 30 to 60 days. This takes MVC from an average of 5,800 road tests per week to about 16,300. MVC expects the backlog to be cleared by the end of the 60 days.Those whose road tests were canceled during the shut-down will be contacted by MVC and provided a secure link to get the first appointments.

At designated Licensing Centers starting June 29 (tentative), MVC will be processing new licenses and permits, out-of-state transfers, and REAL ID for those whose appointments were canceled.

At designated Vehicle Centers starting June 29 (tentative), MVC will be adding individual registration and title transactions.Transactions that can be done online will not be available in person at this time.

The Commission continues to urge customers to use NJMVC.gov to renew or replace licenses, renew or replace registrations, or change their address. Customers can also contact MVC by email for help with a suspension.

“We have more innovations coming to speed our service, while keeping our customers and employees safe,” concluded Fulton. “We look forward to sharing further plans as they are finalized.”   

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June 4, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 151. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, extended on April 7, 2020 through Executive Order No. 119, and extended again on May 6, 2020 through Executive Order No. 138. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed. 
“As we move forward with our restart and recovery plan, maintaining access to all resources available is essential,” said Governor Murphy. “Extending the Public Health Emergency allows us to continue to work to save lives, while safely and securely reopening our state’s economy.”

Executive Order No. 151 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

For the full text of Executive Order No. 151, click here. 

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June 4, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 10:45 pm tonight a person was hit and killed by a train near Bridge Street and Ferry Street. Trenton Emergency Medical Service, Mercer County Paramedics, and Trenton Police are on scene waiting for the medical examiner’s office.

It appeared that the rail line was shut down and the Septa rail line to and from Trenton was reporting delays of 13 minutes to 58 minutes.

No further information is available, emergency crews are still on scene at the time of this report.

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SEE MIDJERSEY.NEWS RELATED STORY HERE: $$$ Paying More – Proposed State Tax On Real Estate And Personal Property Is In The Works Included In Assembly # 4175

June 5, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Reacting to the party-line passage of an unprecedented statewide property tax and borrowing scheme that could add $14 billion to the state’s debt, Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Rob Clifton blasted Gov. Phil Murphy and Assembly Democrats for their out of touch devotion to raising taxes on the backs of ordinary residents. “We opposed the bill because it is plainly unconstitutional under previous rulings by the New Jersey state Supreme Court,” said the pair of Jersey Shore legislators. “It is also unconscionable to borrow, spend and tax prior to even considering any realistic and achievable cost savings.” The Assembly passed  A-4175 by a vote of 51- 28, which would authorize more than $14 billion in borrowing without voter approval and create a three decade long “statewide property tax Increase” to pay for that borrowing. Dancer and Clifton along with their 26 Republican colleagues all opposed the bill while assembly Democrats fell into lockstep behind Murphy’s money grab. “This unconstitutional act, as well as the financially irresponsible imposition of a statewide property tax, cannot be permitted to stand and I am proud to have stood for our taxpayers opposing it,” said Dancer (R- Ocean). “Fish need to swim and birds need to fly, and Phil Murphy and Democrats need to raise taxes,” said Clifton (R-Monmouth). “Once again, Phil Murphy has shown himself to be a one-trick pony and that trick only harms New Jersey taxpayers.” 

It is expected that the bill will draw a court challenge over its constitutionality citing a 2004 N.J. Supreme Court decision against a similar borrowing attempt by then Democrat Gov. Jim McGreevey.

Photo by John Guccione http://www.advergroup.com on Pexels.com

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May 31, 2020

We have hundreds more photos to share and will be updated again tomorrow with more.

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)—A Black Lives Matter protest earlier this afternoon turned into violence as the sun set and protesters turned rioters burning police cars, buildings, smashed windows, looted stores and clashed with police. Numerous mutual aid police were called from neighboring towns all over Mercer County, Middlesex County and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

During a 10:30 pm press conference held at Trenton Fire Headquarters on Perry Street, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora said, “Today, a similar protest started (yesterday’s protest here) and was also by enlarge peaceful until the evening hours descended and the crowd  which was many were from out of town, some were from in town decided that their productivity would be by starting to loot stores on West State Street. I don’t believe in taking looting a sneaker store, a liquor store really is productive or keeps the discussion going.”

“We need so many things that we need to focus on here in this city whether it would be economic development or creating a better city and moving it forward, this sends us backwards. Sends the wrong message and I understand that there is anger across America, from NY to Philadelphia to Los Angeles and we’re no different.’

“We urge everyone to adhere to the curfew we want the city open soon as possible, but this sets us backwards”

The mayor thanked Trenton Police Department working in conjunction with the NJ State Police, Mercer County Sherriff’s Office, Hamilton Township Police, Hopewell Township Police, Lawrenceville, Princeton, Robbinsville, Highstown, some from Burlington, Falls Township, PA, (more have responded not on this list as far as Middlesex County tonight)

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

Trenton police cars burning in the city after protesters turned into rioters:

Looting at the CVS in 1200 Block of Greenwood Avenue just as the Mayor finished the press conference, this was at 11:14 pm:

Looting at the CVS in 1200 Block of Greenwood Avenue just as the Mayor finished the press conference, this was at 11:14 pm

Large police presence in the 1700 Block of Nottingham Way in Hamilton Township. Police were lining driveways to stores both sides of the roadway not just the shopping center.

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Trenton Press Conference on violence and looting in the city during the protest today:

Michael WalkerActing Public Information Officer

Angelo J. Onofri Mercer County prosecutor

Sheilah Coley, DirectorTrenton Police Department

Derrick Sawyer, DirectorTrenton Fire and Emergency Services

Derrick Sawyer, DirectorTrenton Fire and Emergency Services

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June 3, 2020

Statement from Mayor Dave Fried: To my fellow residents of Robbinsville Township,It is impossible to deny that racism exists.While we are not proud of this fact, we feel it is our responsibility as a government, as a society and as human beings to do all we can to be part of the change. We are outraged by what has happened, not only in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Ferguson, North Charleston and Atlanta, but in communities all over the United States when people are brutalized, murdered, shot and otherwise treated unfairly. In law enforcement, the taking of another person’s life should ALWAYS be a last resort and never something any of us should be desensitized to.Making sure our officers are properly trained is of paramount importance. That is why I wanted to construct the first live-fire simulator in the state, so that we could have the best trained officers when it comes to de-escalation and “shoot/don’t shoot” scenarios. Taking a life should be avoided at all costs, and we can only have that assurance if our officers are properly trained.We are allowed to feel more than one thing at once. We should all be outraged by recent events and free to protest peacefully, while at the same time supporting our local law enforcement, which took an oath to keep us safe. I am proud of the RTPD and have the utmost confidence in them. We have spent years working on community policing, and as a result Robbinsville has one of the safest and most diverse communities in the region.I ask everyone to pray for our nation. We need to do better and we owe it to the next generation to make sure this world is a better place for them. We will only accomplish this by working together and allowing love – not hate – to flourish.

Join us Sunday at the West Town Center Lake Gazebo at 6 p.m. for a “Night of Unity” – a cooperative effort between Robbinsville Township and local faith-based leaders. Social distancing and masks will be required.

Most Sincerely,

Mayor Dave Fried  

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June 4, 2020

See earlier story here: Serious Head On Crash In Ewing Township

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On June 4, 2020 at 11:53 a.m. Ewing Police Dispatch received multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a two-vehicle crash, with injuries, in the area of Lower Ferry and Ashley Roads. Responding officers encountered one of the vehicle’s occupants, a 23-year-old female, to be trapped inside her vehicle. Ewing Fire Station 33 responded and freed the victim who was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in critical condition, along with a five-year-old passenger from the vehicle. Both the five-year-old and the driver of the second vehicle were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 23-year-old female driver, identified as Gabriella Nordgren of Ewing, later died of her injuries. Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle being operated by Nordgren, crossed the center line striking the opposing vehicle head-on. The roadway has been reopened, however investigation into the crash is ongoing. No charges have been filed at this time. Anyone with information concerning the crash is asked to contact Officer Robert Birchenough at (609) 882-1313 ext. 5569.

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LAST NIGHT’S MIDJERSEY.NEWS STORY HERE: Breaking: Person Struck And Killed By Train In Trenton

June 5, 2020

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–At approximately 2:10 p.m. a RiverLine light rail vehicle traveling northbound toward Trenton Transit Center struck and fatally injured a female pedestrian near Cass Street in Trenton. The age of the female is unknown at this time.

There were no injuries to the approximate 20 customers and crew on board the light rail vehicle. Riverline service is suspended between Bordentown and Trenton Transit Center in both directions due to this incident.

New Jersey Transit Police are leading the investigation, with Trenton police and EMS on the scene.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News