TOP NEWS
New Jersey’s public worker pension fund sold Geo Group Inc. corporate bonds earlier this year. The bonds are valued at more than $800,000. Geo Group is the private prison company that owns Delaney Hall, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement concentration camp in Newark. The state pension fund is still invested in Palantir Technologies, a data-mining company that provides information to ICE agents.
Patch-Newark
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reversed its plan to convert a Roxbury warehouse into an immigration concentration camp, according to a report by The New York Times. The decision comes after Markwayne Mullin, the new Homeland Security secretary, announced plans to make immigration enforcement less transparent. In March, N.J. and Roxbury township filed a lawsuit against the federal government to stop the plans. The complaint said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement violated four federal laws by failing to conduct environmental reviews, solicit feedback from town officials, select a facility with adequate water and sewer systems, and assess the site’s habitability. The 470,000-square-foot warehouse at 1879 Route 46 was purchased on Feb. 28, marking the third detention facility for migrants in N.J. The other two are privately-owned jails in Elizabeth and Newark. The warehouse’s current owner, Dalfen Industrial, made the sale despite township and community opposition.
NJ Spotlight News
An estimated 29 N.J. residents across 10 counties died from last weekend’s heat wave and had no air conditioning in their homes, according to state health officials. Last weekend’s heat index, or real feel temperature, was as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit in some parts of the state. The heat wave coincided with a storm that led to downed trees and 500,000 power outages throughout N.J. People can submit documentations of storm-related damage to the state’s Damage Assessment Portal, which can support requests for federal disaster assistance. Read The Jersey Bee’s article about heat waves and heat safety here.
NJ Advance Media
Strive North Jersey will host virtual information sessions for its “Career Path Program” for adults ages 18+. Strive North Jersey is a job training and career development nonprofit that serves Essex, Union, and Hudson counties. The program is free and information sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Interested residents must complete an online intake form.
Strive North Jersey
Newark Airport’s Terminal B will receive $75 million in upgrades following approval from the Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J. The funds will be used to upgrade gates, restrooms, escalators, and elevators. It will mark the first phase of a three-year, $200 million renovation plan. Future renovations include improved ADA accessibility and upgraded HVAC and baggage systems among other features.
Jersey Digs
People interested in volunteering with N.J. Institute for Social Justice can attend a virtual orientation meeting on Jul. 13. NJISJ is a nonprofit organization that aims to advance economic and racial equity throughout the state. The orientation begins at 6 p.m. Attendees will learn ways to get involved with NJISJ. Registration is required. Add to 📅.
New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
“Back to Grass” webinar planned with Sierra Club N.J. on Jul. 14. Dr. Sarah Evans will discuss the environmental and health benefits of natural grass as a playing field. Registration is required. Add to 📅.
Sierra Club New Jersey
“These Truths: A Declaration of Independence Book Club” planned virtually with Civics NJ on Jul. 15. It begins at 12 p.m. Led by Justin Kiczek, president of the F.M. Kirby Foundation. It will discuss the meaning of the Declaration of Independence and how it resonates today. Registration is required. Add to 📅.
Civics NJ
New Jersey residents must apply by Aug. 31 to become a firefighter. The entry exam assess situational judgment, personality, life experience, and cognitive ability. Firefighter positions are open across the state. Applications and requirements are available online. Add to 📅.
New Jersey Civil Service Commission
