Bobby Brier
@bobby-brier.bsky.social
đ€ 168
đ„ 231
đ 90
Multimedia mental health reporter
@njspotlightnews.org
Alum
@reportforamerica.bsky.social
reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
4 days ago
The legislation moving this year's gubernatorial budget message to March 10 has now been approved by both full houses of the NJ Legislature.
@njspotlightnews.org
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Sherrill to get extra time to deliver first budget | NJ Spotlight News
First-year governors have customarily been granted an extension under a decades-long bipartisan tradition
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/sherrill-to-get-extra-time-to-deliver-first-budget/
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âMy life has been profoundly impacted by the opioid crisis,â said Rocky Schwartz of Hunterdon County. âI canât even count how many funerals I have attended.â
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/rest...
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Restore addiction funding, NJ lawmakers urged | NJ Spotlight News
Lawmakers diverted $45 million from lawsuit settlement fund to hospitals
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/restore-addiction-funding-nj-lawmakers-urged/
18 days ago
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The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee hearing here in Trenton is set to begin shortly. On the agenda today are two bills addressing the 988 system of care and millions of dollars in opioid funding. Story to come soon.
@njspotlightnews.org
19 days ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
Colleen O'Dea
23 days ago
Wow what a night in NJ CD 11. Malinowski not ready to concede, but the progressive Mejia has the lead. It could take a while for a final decision
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
24 days ago
The funding worries come as prolonged record-breaking cold grips parts of the United States . . . In Toms River, an elderly homeless woman last month was found dead in her snow-covered car. Reporting by
@bobby-brier.bsky.social
@njspotlightnews.org
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Trump proposal imperils $8 million for New Jerseyans' rental aid | NJ Spotlight News
Social-service groups say they're turning to the state -- and tapping credit lines -- to help prevent disaster for almost 900 households
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/trump-proposal-imperils-8-million-for-new-jerseyans-rental-aid/
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Residents of nearly 900 New Jersey households are at risk of homelessness as President Donald Trumpâs proposed policy changes sow uncertainty about millions of dollars in annual federal rental assistance.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/trum...
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Trump proposal imperils $8 million for New Jerseyans' rental aid | NJ Spotlight News
Social-service groups say they're turning to the state -- and tapping credit lines -- to help prevent disaster for almost 900 households
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/trump-proposal-imperils-8-million-for-new-jerseyans-rental-aid/
24 days ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
NJ Spotlight News
29 days ago
As mounting economic pressures push more people into homelessness, volunteers and outreach workers traversed NJ this week for the stateâs annual count of the homeless. NJ homelessness is on a five-year upswing, according to Monarch Housing Associates, and advocates expect another increase in 2026.
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NJ has revised its license requirements for outpatient treatment, writing new rules to allow for integrated outpatient care, a move hailed as landmark reform after NJ officials & health advocates had been trying to do so for years.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-r...
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NJ rewrites license rules for outpatient treatment centers | NJ Spotlight News
State creates one license for providers offering primary care, mental health and addiction services
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-rewrites-license-rules-for-outpatient-treatment-centers/
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
Michael Sol Warren
about 1 month ago
Honored to have worked the past few years with
@bflanagannj.bsky.social
â today was her last day before a well deserved retirement. What a career, weâll miss you!
youtu.be/HyY2dJAGTo8?...
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Brenda Flanagan's final sign-off from NJ Spotlight News
YouTube video by NJ Spotlight News
https://youtu.be/HyY2dJAGTo8?si=ANT05jZynXRDFjSX
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âWe are counting on the Sherrill admin. & the Leg. to do the right thing & reintroduce the $45 million, move it swiftly & ensure opioid settlement funds are used as intended. Lives depend on getting this right.â â Elizabeth Burke Beaty
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/sher...
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Sherrill administration under pressure to restore $45M in opioid settlement funding | NJ Spotlight News
Money was diverted to four hospital systems beforeâŻGov. Murphy signed state budget in June
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/sherrill-administration-under-pressure-to-restore-45m-in-opioid-settlement-funding/
about 1 month ago
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Gov. Murphyâs final State of the State address is set to begin at 3 pm EST. Stay with
@njspotlightnews.org
as we continue to cover the speech live and with additional coverage throughout the week.
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
about 2 months ago
As lame duck comes to an end, NJ's majority Democratic lawmakers approve spending millions on World Cup marketing and pet projects, as well as new tax breaks for the operators of the Prudential Center in Newark.
@njspotlightnews.org
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NJ lawmakers rush to pass bills on final day of lame duck session | NJ Spotlight News
Include codifying protections for undocumented immigrants, providing tax incentives to refurbish Prudential Center
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-lawmakers-rush-to-pass-bills-on-final-day-of-lame-duck-session/
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âIt shouldnât be a scary thing (for children to get vaccines) and you shouldnât feel bad for doing everything you can to protect your child.â â Jill Moghadam, mother and educator, of Marlton
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-h...
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NJ health experts stress vaccination following season's first confirmed pediatric flu death | NJ Spotlight News
Uptick in NJ cases come as federal health officials are overhauling childhood vaccine schedule
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-health-experts-stress-vaccination-following-seasons-first-confirmed-pediatric-flu-death/
about 2 months ago
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Students expected to benefit from cell phone ban
@govmurphy.bsky.social
plans to sign the legislation into law this morning at Ramsey High School in Bergen County.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/stud...
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Students expected to benefit from cell phone ban | NJ Spotlight News
Statewide limits for public schools expected to become law Thursday
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/students-expected-to-benefit-from-cell-phone-ban/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
Julie O'Connor
about 2 months ago
Is NJâs school ethics law being weaponized to silence critics? Few in the public are aware of how broadly written this code is, and why school board members have good reason to fear its use.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/is-n...
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Is NJâs school ethics law being used to silence critics? | NJ Spotlight News
Board members face legal action for comments on social media and public meetings
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/is-njs-school-ethics-law-being-used-to-silence-critics/
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âWe are really eager to see this bill signed into law, just to know that our state is committed to advancing on this and to not going backward because where we are is unbearableâŠâ- Amber Reed
@aapinewjersey.org
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/nj-p...
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NJâs police deadly force policy may get mandatory review | NJ Spotlight News
Bill requires regular exam by state AG. Advocates say itâs a âstep in the right directionâ
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/nj-police-deadly-force-policy-may-get-mandatory-review/
2 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
Colleen O'Dea
2 months ago
Prepping our @NJSpotlightNews voter guide for NJ CD11 special primary. Got a question you think we should ask the candidates?
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The last-minute push for more money during the current lame duck session of the Legislature is among the latest examples of the lengthy efforts some nonprofit leaders feel they must take to keep their social support programs open.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/firs...
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First they cut its funding. Now NJ lawmakers want money for homeless program | NJ Spotlight News
Move is one of several to restore funding to social services cut in budget this year
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/first-they-cut-its-funding-now-nj-lawmakers-want-money-for-homeless-program/
2 months ago
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More NJ public school students could soon be restricted from using smartphones & other devices w/ internet access throughout the school day, an effort by legislators & policy makers to limit classroom distraction & improve mental health
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/cell...
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Cell phone ban for NJ students looms | NJ Spotlight News
Lawmakers press ahead with possible ban. School officials see successes already
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/cell-phone-ban-for-nj-students-looms/
3 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
3 months ago
âWe did what we said we would do, and in politics, that is not often the case. We campaigned on an agenda that we actually, when we got into office, we actually executed and stayed true to,â Gov. Murphy said during a final sit-down interview with
@njspotlightnews.org
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Phil Murphy talks COVID-19, affordability, NJ Transit as he readies to leave office | NJ Spotlight News
âWe did what we said we would do, and in politics, that is not often the caseâ
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/phil-murphy-talks-covid-19-affordability-nj-transit-as-he-readies-to-leave-office/
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
Brenda Flanagan
3 months ago
UPDATE: Sen. Pres. Scutari today announced he's pulling the controversial bill from consideration during this monthâs lame-duck legislative session. âIâve heard the concerns, and Iâm going to listen to them,â he said, adding that he would revisit the proposal next year. More at
@njspotlightnews.org
add a skeleton here at some point
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Should judges consider a defendantâs history as a victim of domestic violence? Latest for
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/shou...
3 months ago
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Three NJ hospitals could soon receive state funding to research the medicinal benefits of psilocybin to treat mental health disorders under a bill that recently cleared an Assembly committee.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/nj-l...
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NJ looks to create hallucinogenic mushroom research program | NJ Spotlight News
State would fund three hospitals to study impact on mental health disorders
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/nj-looks-to-create-hallucinogenic-mushroom-research-program/
3 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
3 months ago
The fate of a plan to create a permanent and dedicated source of funding for a state hotline that helps people experiencing mental health emergencies by taxing phone lines in NJâŻremainsâŻuncertain in the remaining weeks of Gov. Phil Murphyâs tenure.
@bobby-brier.bsky.social
@njspotlightnews.org
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Will NJ tax phone lines to support 988 crisis hotline? | NJ Spotlight News
Advocates press for dedicated funds as calls increase
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/will-nj-tax-phone-lines-to-support-988-crisis-hotline/
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Latest story with
@johnreitmeyer.bsky.social
@njspotlightnews.org
add a skeleton here at some point
3 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
3 months ago
Amid a surge in NJ housing costs - and the homeless population - housing advocates praise a top Democrat's push to give towns the power to create trust funds and housing plans to help address and prevent homelessness in their communities, reports
@bobby-brier.bsky.social
@njspotlightnews.org
.
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Homelessness is rising. NJ towns might get help with housing | NJ Spotlight News
Effort to address homelessness at the municipal level being led by Senate President Nicholas Scutari
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-homelessness-increases-in-nj-can-municipal-trust-funds-offer-a-solution/
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As shootings decline, NJ violence prevention groups get funding cut âStreet teamsâ forced to lay off workers, reduce programs
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-s...
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As shootings decline, NJ violence prevention groups get funding cut | NJ Spotlight News
âStreet teamsâ forced to lay off workers, reduce programs
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-shootings-decline-nj-violence-prevention-groups-get-funding-cut/
3 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
3 months ago
You can watch the full interview here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuiP...
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
3 months ago
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill discussed her pending cabinet nominees, freezing utility bills and how she will approach her first state budget during a wide-ranging interview with
@njspotlightnews.org
held during the New Jersey State League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City.
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Sherrill looking for AG pick âwilling to take on the Trump administrationâ | NJ Spotlight News
Affordability, government accountability and budget all discussed in NJ Spotlight News interview
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/sherrill-looking-for-ag-pick-willing-take-on-the-trump-administration/
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
4 months ago
Several months after a surprise, late-June budget diversion, state lawmakers are now aiming to restore $45 million to the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund through a bill that passed a key Senate committee on Thursday, reports
@bobby-brier.bsky.social
@njspotlightnews.org
.
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Will opioid recovery programs get the $45 million NJ lawmakers pulled from them? | NJ Spotlight News
Last-minute budget deal sent money to hospitals instead. New bill would restore money to programs
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/will-opioid-recovery-programs-get-the-45-million-nj-lawmakers-pulled-from-them/
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Sherrill agenda faces challenges on homelessness, mental health and more Growing pressures on housing and health care add to âaffordabilityâ issues
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/sher...
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Sherrill agenda faces challenges on homelessness, mental health and more | NJ Spotlight News
Growing pressures on housing and health care add to âaffordabilityâ issues
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/sherrill-agenda-faces-challenges-on-homelessness-mental-health-and-more/
4 months ago
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The loss of federal food benefits will mean greater food insecurity and bring increased risks of depression, anxiety and stress, all of which could cause an uptick in emergency room visits statewide, healthcare experts say.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/for-...
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For some, SNAP loss means more than just hunger | NJ Spotlight News
Without food aid, NJ hospitals expected to see more visits
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/for-some-snap-loss-means-more-than-just-hunger/
4 months ago
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As homelessness rises, NJ offers âcriticalâ lifeline for those in recovery At the Rescue Mission of Trenton, the six-week New Direction program provides a variety of resources to help participants maintain sobriety & stability.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-h...
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As homelessness rises, NJ offers 'critical' lifeline for those in recovery | NJ Spotlight News
Rescue Mission of Trenton spends $250,000 a year to run New Direction program
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-homelessness-rises-nj-offers-critical-lifeline-for-those-in-recovery/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
Colleen O'Dea
4 months ago
982K have voted early in NJ as of end of 10/30. Dems have a 235K margin now but there are 181K unaffiliated/3rd party.
@njspotlightnews.org
update:
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/nj-e...
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NJ election: Early voting updates | NJ Spotlight News
Updated counts of mail-in ballots and early in-person votes
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/nj-election-early-voting-updates/
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Hereâs how Trump funding cuts are keeping homeless people from their benefits By limiting a key training program, people will have more difficulty accessing federal disability benefits, advocates say
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/here...
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Here's how Trump funding cuts are keeping homeless people from their benefits | NJ Spotlight News
By limiting a key training program, people will have more difficulty accessing federal disability benefits, advocates say
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/heres-how-trump-funding-cuts-are-keeping-homeless-people-from-their-benefits/
4 months ago
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NJ governorâs race: Whatâs next for mental health response programs? Next governor will have wide discretion over support for mental health emergency response programs
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/nj-g...
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NJ governor's race: What's next for mental health response programs? | NJ Spotlight News
Next governor will have wide discretion over support for mental health emergency response programs
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/nj-governors-race-whats-next-for-mental-health-response-programs/
5 months ago
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How to watch the final NJ governor debate Ciattarelli, Sherrill look to debate Wednesday at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
@maddiference.bsky.social
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/how-...
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How to watch the final NJ governor debate | NJ Spotlight News
Ciattarelli, Sherrill look to debate Wednesday at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/how-to-watch-the-final-nj-governor-debate/
5 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
Benjamin Hulac
5 months ago
Thanks, Bobby. The shutdown is about how much the government spends. But is also part of a broader fight about health policy.
@njspotlightnews.org
add a skeleton here at some point
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Important reporting here from
@bhulac.bsky.social
on why the federal gov't is shutdown, the fight over healthcare in D.C. and its impact on NJ residents like Theresa Luoni.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/why-...
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Why is the government shut down? Partly a fight over healthcare | NJ Spotlight News
Democrats look to get Medicaid increases in talks with Trump, GOP
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/why-is-the-government-shut-down-partly-a-fight-over-healthcare/
5 months ago
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Parents, teachers and mental health professionals continue to raise concerns over cuts to mental health programs in NJ high school with history of student suicides.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/nj-s...
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NJ school bucks plan to boost mental health for students | NJ Spotlight News
Parents, teachers are angry over cuts to programs in school with history of student suicides
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/nj-school-bucks-plan-to-boost-mental-health-for-students/
5 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
Benjamin Hulac
5 months ago
Every federal shutdown is a bit different. Here are five things to know about this one...
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/gove...
@njspotlightnews.org
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Government shutdown: Who gets paid, what gets cut | NJ Spotlight News
Key ways the federal shutdown impacts people in NJ
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/government-shutdown-who-gets-paid-what-gets-cut
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
5 months ago
Thank you to
@wnyc.org
for having me on
@thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social
this morning to talk in-depth about our favorite topic . . . NJ taxes! I'm proud to work with and support outlets that foster these types of discussions about the issues people care about.
@njspotlightnews.org
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30 Issues in 30 Days: Taxation in New Jersey | The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC
John Reitmeyer, budget and finance writer at NJ Spotlight News, talks about taxation in New Jersey and where the candidates stand on property taxes and more.
https://www.wnyc.org/story/30-issues-in-30-days-taxation-in-new-jersey
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
NJ Spotlight News
5 months ago
Listen to The Brian Lehrer Show on
@wnyc.org
TOMORROW, Oct. 2! Our very own
@johnreitmeyer.bsky.social
will talk about taxation and the NJ governor's race as part of WNYC's "30 issues in 30 days" series. More:
www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/30-...
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The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News
Brian Lehrer leads the conversation about what matters most now in local and national politics, our own communities and our lives.
https://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/30-issues-30-days-2025
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âMicrobetting (and) same-game parlays are the oxygen supply, if you will, of the online gambling industry.â â Dr. Harry Levant As problem gambling grows, will NJ limit in-game sports betting?
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/as-p...
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As problem gambling grows, will NJ limit in-game sports betting? | NJ Spotlight News
'Microbetting (and) same-game parlays are the oxygen supply, if you will, of the online gambling industry'
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/as-problem-gambling-grows-will-nj-limit-in-game-sports-betting/
5 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
Hannah Gross
5 months ago
After lawmakers were unable to reach agreement, the U.S. government lurched into a shutdown early Wednesday, a threshold that triggers federal agencies and departments to send staff home and forces employees considered âessentialâ to work without pay.
@bhulac.bsky.social
@njspotlightnews.org
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Federal government shuts down again under Trump | NJ Spotlight News
Social programs to stop, workers to be sent home
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/federal-government-shuts-down-again-under-trump/
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National organization forced to return gambling addiction hotline to NJ Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ resumed operating 1-800-GAMBLER hotline on Monday
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/09/nati...
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National organization forced to return gambling addiction hotline to NJ | NJ Spotlight News
Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ resumed operating 1-800-GAMBLER hotline on Monday
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/09/national-organization-forced-to-return-gambling-addiction-hotline-to-nj/
5 months ago
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reposted by
Bobby Brier
John Reitmeyer
5 months ago
As a federal government shutdown nears,
@njspotlightnews.org
is there covering the latest developments. This dispatch from
@bhulac.bsky.social
details the services and programs that would be affected by a shutdown.
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With no updates and no deal, government shutdown gets closer | NJ Spotlight News
Advocates warn shutdown will mean harm for many
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/09/with-no-updates-and-no-deal-government-shutdown-gets-closer/
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Where was mental health support in fatal NJ police shooting, advocates ask New Brunswick tragedy prompts calls for community-based programs to respond to emergencies
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/09/why-...
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Advocates: Why no mental health help at fatal shooting by police? | NJ Spotlight News
Advocates express outrage over no mental health support present for woman fatally shot by New Brunswick police.
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/09/why-no-mental-health-support-fatal-new-brunswick-police-shooting-elderly-woman/
6 months ago
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@njspotlightnews.org
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6 months ago
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Happening Now: Rallies continue here in New Brunswick outside the municipal court building for Deborah Terrell, a 68-year-old Black woman who was shot and killed in the city while she was experiencing a mental health crisis in early August.
@njspotlightnews.org
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6 months ago
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