Latest news with #CapeMay
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
NJ Supreme Court says Daniel's Law is constitutional, journalists must abide
Daniel's Law, enacted by the state Legislature to protect the home addresses and phone numbers of judicial and law enforcement officials, is "narrowly tailored" to protect those officials and their families from harm and threats, yet also complies with the freedom of speech and press guarantees in the Constitution, the state Supreme Court has ruled. Daniel's Law was enacted after Daniel Anderl, son of federal Judge Esther Salas, was fatally shot at their North Brunswick home in July 2020 by a disgruntled attorney, posing as a deliveryman, who was stalking Salas. The gunman had complied a dossier of information about Salas, including her home address. Daniel's Law allows the individuals covered under the law to prevent the disclosure of their home address and unpublished phone number by filing a request for non-disclosure with the person or business who has the information. The Supreme Court ruling on June 17 was on a case brought by Charles Kratovil, editor of New Brunswick Today, who was working on a story in 2023 that Anthony Caputo, then New Brunswick's police director and board member of the city's Parking Authority, had a voting address in Cape May, suggesting that Caputo lived hours away from New Brunswick. Caputo retired as police director in 2024. "I am pleased that this case may very well have accelerated Anthony Caputo's departure from New Brunswick, because his poor leadership was negatively impacting our police department and parking authority, where he held onto public positions for much longer than he should have," said Kratovil, who was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey Foundation and the law firm of Lowenstein Sandler. More: Phil Murphy, Matt Platkin vow increased security for NJ officials after Minnesota shooting After Kratovil discovered through an Open Public Records Act request that Caputo was registered to vote in Cape May, Kratovil shared the voter registration information, including Caputo's address, with members of the Parking Authority's board on March 22, 2023. At a May 5, 2023 City Council meeting, Kratovil spoke during the public portion, identifying the street but not the house number on Caputo's voter profile. Ten days later, Kratovil received a letter from Caputo saying that under the provisions of Daniel's Law, he was a "covered person" whose home address and phone number are not subject to disclosure. Caputo requested that Kratovil cease disclosing the information and remove it from the internet. Daniel's Law allows a "covered person" to make that request in writing. The law also allows possible civil or criminal penalties if the request is not honored. According to court papers, Kratovil said the notice gave him "reasonable grounds to fear that he would be a target for an enforcement action that would seek to criminalize his investigative journalism." However, no civil action has been filed against Kratovil, nor has any criminal proceeding been instituted, court papers say. Kratovil then filed a show cause order in Middlesex County Superior Court, arguing that provisions of Daniel's Law are unconstitutional because they infringe on the freedom of speech and press. He also asked for an injunction barring any civil or criminal penalties against him. Judge Joseph Rea on Sept. 21, 2023 denied the show cause order, ruling that while Kratovil had lawfully obtained Caputo's home address, the exact street address was "logically immaterial" to the public question whether Caputo resided in Cape May. Rea ruled that protection of public officials was "a state interest of the highest order" and said Daniel's Law was "as narrowly tailored as possible to achieve its purpose by way of the least restrictive means." Kratovil then appealed Rea's decision to the state Appellate Division which ruled that Caputo's residence in Cape May was a matter of public interest, but his street address was not. The appellate court also ruled that Rea's decision did not have a "chilling effect" on Kratovil's journalism because the court had not told him "what he could or could not publish." More: NJ federal judge whose son was murdered: Attacks on judges worrisome for democracy The state Supreme Court then accepted Kratovil's appeal of the Appellate Division ruling. In its 40-page decision, the justices agreed with the lower court's rulings that Daniel's Law was "narrowly tailored" by "the least restrictive means" and does not apply to all public employees and officials. The law only applies to judges, law enforcement officers, prosecutors and child protective investigators in the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency. The justices found that Daniel's Law was constitutional and did not accept Kratovil's suggestions that the law be changed. "While I am disappointed by the ruling, I will continue to advocate for transparency and work hard to serve the public interest here in the community that I call home," Kratovil said. The justices also found that there is no liability for publishing addresses or phone numbers until that person invokes the protection of Daniel's Law by providing notice. Kratovil said he was "disappointed" in the ruling. "While the New Jersey Supreme Court agreed with us that this was a matter of public concern, they also said that the law was narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling government purpose of the highest order, even though it was the government that released the address in question," he said in a statement. "When the government provides information to the media, the U.S. Supreme Court instructs courts to assume that the government should use other tools to guard against the dissemination of that information and not take the extreme step of punishing truthful speech. We are disappointed that the New Jersey Supreme Court did not follow this precedent." The ruling comes days after a man disguised as a police officer shot and killed Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, a former speaker of the state House, and her husband Mark, and wounded a state senator and his wife early Saturday. The accused gunman, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, was captured late Sunday night. Email: mdeak@ This article originally appeared on NJ Supreme Court says Daniel's Law is constitutional, press must abide Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
04-07-2025
- CBS News
Families enjoy picture-perfect Fourth of July in Cape May, New Jersey
Sunshine, sand, saltwater and more – families flock to Cape May for Fourth of July fun Sunshine, sand, saltwater and more – families flock to Cape May for Fourth of July fun Sunshine, sand, saltwater and more – families flock to Cape May for Fourth of July fun From festivals to fireworks, many families celebrated the Fourth of July down the Shore, and the weather was near picture-perfect. Almost everywhere you looked, Old Glory was hung proudly outside many businesses, and red, white, and blue banners were displayed prominently around Cape May. Even some lifeguards are showing off their patriotism. "This is just amazing. I mean, when you drive around, it's hard to find parking, so you know there's a lot of people here," said Hugh Murray, who works at Ocean Putt Golf. Many people spent part of the holiday testing their putting skills and getting an early round in at Ocean Putt Golf. They enjoyed some friendly competition and said there's no better place to be to celebrate the Fourth of July. "You got the beach, the sand, the sun, and gets better than that?" said Judy Tizzica, who lives in Cape May full-time. "We're playing some mini golf and soaking up the said Megan Wells, who is visiting from Levittown, Pennsylvania. CBS Philadelphia From carousel rides to a quick lap on the train around Congress Hall, memories were being made, and Judith Boorsma enjoyed her first time in Cape May. "I like it. The weather is nice and there's a lot of people here, so I like it," Boorsma said. For many families, celebrating down the Shore is a tradition, and Mother Nature served up a holiday treat. There were crowds of people enjoying the brilliant sunshine, the warm ocean water, and an all-around beautiful beach day. "We love being down here for all the Summer holidays, we usually start Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, but yeah, it's all great getting the family together, spending time on the beach, we love it down here," said Michael Lapoma. "Just brings you back to traditional American sunshine, and good old-fashioned fun," said Chris Cipolli. Cape May will launch fireworks around 9:30 p.m. Friday on the beach in front of Congress Hall. Then, the city will host its Independence Day Parade on Beach Avenue beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
War of words erupts on East Coast as locals propose renaming Delaware Bay... inspired by Trump's Gulf of America
An all-out war of words has erupted on the East Coast after a New Jersey state lawmaker announced he plans to rename the Delaware Bay to 'The Bay of New Jersey' - echoing Donald Trump 's renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. Republican state Sen. Michael Testa introduced a new bill Thursday that would direct state agencies to officially change the Delaware Bay so he could 'Make New Jersey GREAT AGAIN!' The Trump supporter, who represents Cape May County, took to X on Friday to defend his bizarre idea, suggesting that New Jersians should be able to fish in a bay with its name attached to it. 'I look at the robust fishing industry - commercial fishing industry and recreational industry of the State of New Jersey,' Testa told NJ Advance Media. The body of water has held the Delaware title since 1610 when it was named after Thomas West, the third baron de la Warr and Englishman who governed the Virginia colony, per the Delaware government's website. While Testa seems excited about his pitch, many people, especially Delaware residents, are not as thrilled. One raged on Facebook: 'Fight us for it Jersey!' 'It will always be the Delaware Bay,' said another. Someone else commented: 'Jersey stay away from our bay!' Another person even took a jab at Testa himself, and said: 'Maybe the Senator needs to change his name!' 'The GOP Always Trying To Rename Bodies Of Water ... How Pathetic...,' a user wrote. Meanwhile, some New Jersey residents were on board with the plan. 'You know what hell yeah,' one wrote. 'If ya really wanna do this, I suggest a more fluid phrase... How about 'Bay of Cape May,' said someone else. 'That's ridiculous.... it should be New Jersey Bay,' a user wrote alongside a laughing emoji. Although some New Jersians stood by the proposed legislation, others were just as unhappy with Testa for his 'dumb' idea. 'Lower my homeowners taxes in New Jersey. I could care less about the bay,' one wrote. Another sarcastically said: 'Ah yes that's definitely going to solve all of our problems of barely 'We need to vote idiots out of government,' another user said. The Delaware River - a 282 mile body of water that borders New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania - empties into the bay. It is commonly used for tourism, travel and commerce. Under Testa's proposed legislation, the possible new name of the bay would be included in 'publications, signage, websites, and materials to reflect the new designation and notify relevant federal entities.' This was not the only bill Testa proposed last week, as he also suggested the Garden State should reclaim land along New Jersey's Salem County shore that is claimed by Delaware as part of a decades-old border agreement. Testa's move follows suit with Trump's executive order to have the U.S. Department of the Interior to recognize the 'Gulf of America' in government-issued materials, including maps. In May, the House of Representatives passed a bill to officially change the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America.' The name change is only recognized by the US, not by other countries, including Mexico.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Yahoo
2 New Jersey beaches named Best Hidden Gems in US, according to Frugal Flyer
Summer in New Jersey means one thing: BEACH DAYS. But if you're tired of the usual crowds and looking for a serene sandy escape, you're in luck. Here are Garden State's best hidden gem beaches for a quieter getaway. A recent survey conducted by Frugal Flyer, a Canadian travel blog, polled 3,002 individuals to identify the United States' top under-the-radar beaches. For New Jersey residents dreaming of a quieter beach day, you'll be thrilled to hear that two Garden State beaches earned a spot on a national list of 95 top hidden gems, promising serene shores and easy parking. Sedge Island is No. 27 on the list. This location a unique and environmentally significant area located in Barnegat Bay, off Island Beach State Park, in New Jersey's only Marine Conservation Zone. It's not a typical public "beach" in the sense of a boardwalk and sunbathing area you can just drive up to. Coming in at No. 30 is Pearl Beach in Cape May Point. This beach is for those seeking genuine tranquility, a serene escape surrounded by natural beauty. It's conveniently located near the iconic Sunset Beach, the historic Cape May Lighthouse and the birdwatcher's paradise of Cape May Point State Park. But, don't expect restrooms or snack bars right on the sand — this location is for the prepared beachgoer who packs essentials. Awahua Beach in Molokai, Hawaii Pa'ako Cove in Makena, Hawaii Gray's Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii Secret Beach in Brookings, Oregon Shell Key Preserve in Tierra Verde, Florida Red Sand Beach, or Kaihalulu Beach, on Maui, Hawaii Wildcat Beach in Marin County, California Carmel Meadows Beach in Carmel, California Gray Whale Cove Beach in San Mateo County, California Crystal Lake near Barton, Vermont This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: New Jersey's top hidden gem beaches for a peaceful retreat
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
N.J. Teacher Accused of Sexually Assaulting Student at 11, Then Having His Baby at 13, Indicted by Grand Jury
A grand jury in New Jersey indicted Laura Caron on sexual assault charges and a single count of endangering the welfare of a child The former fifth-grade teacher is accused of sexually assaulting a former student from 2016 through 2020, starting when the boy was just 11 Caron then gave birth to a daughter she allegedly conceived with the student in 2019, when the alleged victim was 13, police sayA New Jersey teacher accused of sexually abusing a student over a four year period will be prosecuted on multiple felony counts. Laura Caron, 34, of Cape May was indicted by a grand jury earlier this month on charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child in the second-degree. Investigators alleged that Caron started sexually assaulting the alleged victim when he was just 11-years-old according to a news release from the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office. A police report from the Middle Township Police Department said that Caron allegedly gave birth to a daughter she conceived with a minor in 2019, when the alleged victim was 13 and Caron was who prior to her arrest was a fifth-grade teacher at Middle Township Elementary School, first met the alleged victim when he was a student in her class, according to the police report. Police said in their report that the alleged victim, along with his brother and sister, would sometimes stay with Caron at her home with their parents' permission. The alleged victim then began living with Caron in 2016 for reasons that remain unclear, according to the police report. Caron could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted on all three charges. She had been booked into the Cape May County Correctional Facility upon her initial arrest back in January but was able to post bail a few days later. Court records show that Caron is due back in court on July 16. She has not yet entered a plea. Her attorney did not respond to a request for comment. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to . If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Read the original article on People
