New Jersey
Protect the Right to Vote, New Jersey, and Do Something for America – Insider NJ
We take for granted our precious right to vote in this country, an attitude that epitomizes our disconnect from American representative government, that most vital and civilized form of social and political expression in the history of humankind.
Let it not be said that in this moment, we shrank from the task of building on the immense energy and justice of our democratic republic. Let it be said, rather, that we brought our own “full measure of devotion,” to quote our great president, to the maintenance and fortification of our democratic republican franchise.
That is why we wholeheartedly back legislation championed by veteran state Senator Shirley Turner (D-15), primary sponsor of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New Jersey, as that committed first step in the march to securing a guaranteed right to vote for every eligible New Jerseyan and every American.
Revitalizing the voting process here on a legislative model already adopted by New York furthers the cause of empowering voters in other states, especially battlegrounds, in this critical presidential election year – and every critical election going forward, as constitutionally scheduled.
Senator Turner intends to reintroduce the bill on Thursday, at the next quorum call.
“I encountered some resistance to change when I first introduced it in 2022,” Turner told InsiderNJ. “Everybody’s talking about democracy on the ballot, but if you can’t vote, you don’t have a voice. We claim to have these rights, but we need to provide safeguards otherwise it makes no sense to claim a right to vote. We need to pass this bill and show the way to these other states, particularly those states considered swing states. I am hopeful they will take our lead and provide greater access opportunities so that every citizen can enjoy the democratic process.
“History tells us.” Turner added, “that voting should not be the right of a privileged few, particularly in the south where they made it more difficult for blacks to vote. The late great John Lewis risked his life for the vote, and now we need to make some good trouble, as he did.”
The basic skeleton of A4554/S2997:
- Launches a “preclearance” program that puts the burden on local governments with records of discrimination to prove that certain voting changes won’t harm voters of color before they can go into effect.
- Provides new legal tools to fight discriminatory voting rules in court.
- Expands language assistance for voters with limited English proficiency.
- Creates strong protections against voter intimidation, deception, or obstruction.
- Instructs state judges to interpret election laws in a pro-voter way whenever possible.
Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-35) sponsors the Assembly version of the bill.
“The bottom line is it makes the process more open and fairer,” Wimberly told InsiderNJ.
The veteran assemblyman from Paterson pointed to former President Donald J. Trump encouraging a mob to subvert his own vice-president’s constitutional duty to ratify the 2020 presidential election results. Trump faces felony charges in connection with his infamous actions on that day – Jan. 6th, 2021, in addition to other charges connected to his alleged attempt to unlawfully change the outcome of the Georgia election in his favor.
“The last thing you want to infringe on is voter rights, especially when you’re dealing with dictatorship,” said Wimberly. “Especially when you’re looking at someone who led an insurrection, whose numbers are through the roof.”
Wimberly said in addition to supporting the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New Jersey, that he backs a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing every New Jerseyan’s right to vote. Also, he supports a federal constitutional amendment guaranteeing the same.
We agree.
“Unfortunately, the current SCOTUS numbers don’t work in our favor [in the case of an inevitable legal challenge], and that again shows how important it is that people vote, and that they have access to voting,” Wimberly said.
Like Turner, the assemblyman said he intends to make this bill a priority, in hopes not just of securing deeper Garden State protections, but in order to puncture the cocoons of complacency in other states – and nationwide. Despite the wars fought, bodies piled, blood shed, court cases waged, and protections of the 15th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Jim Crow history-encumbered South in particular, and those stepchildren of every region only too eager to resist justice, continue to enforce bureaucratic restrictions to voting and erode vital protections at the heart of our nation’s history.
Let’s counteract that influence with our best appeal to America, and the reinforcement of our voices here to every American seeking the sacred right to vote. When he thinks about it, Wimberly said, “I picture John Lewis walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with blood on his head. Every voter should look at that as motivation.”
Amen.
Think about John R. Lewis and George Washington, who peacefully transferred power rather than arrogantly persisting in the habits of European despots. Let’s get this done, New Jersey, and do something for our country, which gave us the right to vote, which we all too cavalierly give away to those only too please to indulge despotism, who joke about being dictator for a day.
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Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Powerball winning numbers are in for the Saturday, June 20 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $302 million ($136.7 million cash option).
The winning numbers in Saturday’s drawing are 16, 20, 44, 48, and 50, with Powerball number 15. The Power Play number is 2.
Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot?
No one won the Powerball jackpot.
When is the next drawing of the Powerball?
The next Powerball drawing is Monday. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
How late can you buy a Powerball ticket?
In New Jersey, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw.
What does it cost to play Powerball?
Powerball costs $2 to play. For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature can multiply nonjackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.
Are you a Powerball winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All New Jersey Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.99. For prizes over $599.99, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at New Jersey Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to New Jersey Lottery, Attn: Validations, PO Box 041, Trenton, NJ 08625-0041.
Winners can drop off their claim form and winning ticket in person at the New Jersey Lottery office where a secure drop box is available. Claim forms are also available at the office. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Lawrence Park Complex, 1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle, Trenton, NJ 08648.
To find a lottery retalier, you can search the NJ lotto website.
What is the Powerball payout?
The complete guide to winnings is:
- Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
- Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
- Match 4 White Balls: $100
- Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
- Match 3 White Balls: $7
- Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
- Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
- Match Powerball: $4
- Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
- Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
- Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
- Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
- Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
- Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
- Match Powerball with Power Play: $16
What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?
The overall odds of winning the Powerball are 1 in 292.2 million.
How do I find the Powerball winning numbers?
Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Drawings are also lived streamed on Powerball.com. The winning numbers are posted to the Powerball and New Jersey Lottery websites.
New Jersey
Parsippany Positioned for the Spotlight Through New Jersey’s Film Ready Program | Parsippany Focus
PARSIPPANY — As New Jersey continues to experience a surge in film and television production, Parsippany-Troy Hills is emerging as a prime candidate to benefit from the state’s expanding entertainment industry through participation in the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission’s Film Ready Program.
The Film Ready initiative is designed to prepare municipalities to effectively attract and support film and television productions. By becoming Film Ready certified, communities like Parsippany signal to producers that they are organized, welcoming, and capable of accommodating the unique needs of the industry.
The economic potential is substantial.
According to the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, Steven Spielberg’s latest film, Disclosure Day, generated an estimated $34 million in qualified production spending during just 23 days of filming in New Jersey while employing more than 1,800 crew members. The production filmed in 10 municipalities across six counties, including several locations in Morris County. Statewide, New Jersey recorded an estimated $834 million in film production spending in 2024, with 556 productions hiring more than 31,000 crew members.
Film productions bring direct economic activity into a community. Crews require hotel accommodations, dining, transportation, equipment rentals, and a variety of local services. With Parsippany’s strong hospitality sector, major hotel corridors, corporate campuses, and convenient access to interstate highways, the township is ideally positioned to capture this spending. Local businesses—from restaurants and caterers to dry cleaners and transportation providers—stand to benefit when productions are in town.
Participation in the Film Ready Program also opens the door for local residents to access employment opportunities, both directly on productions and through supporting industries. From set construction and security to catering and logistics, film projects create a wide range of temporary and repeat job opportunities.
“Parsippany is uniquely positioned to take full advantage of New Jersey’s growing film industry,” said Mayor Pulkit Desai. “Our central location, diverse landscapes, and business-friendly environment make us an ideal destination for film and television production. By embracing the Film Ready Program, we are opening the door to new economic opportunities, increased visibility, and meaningful partnerships that will benefit our residents and local businesses.”
Parsippany offers a diverse landscape of corporate campuses, suburban neighborhoods, historic sites, parks, lakes, and roadways that can double for a variety of filming locations. When featured in film or television, these locations can elevate the township’s profile, attracting visitors and future investment. Municipalities across the state have seen increased tourism and recognition after appearing in major productions.
“Becoming Film Ready is about more than just attracting film crews. It’s about positioning Parsippany as a forward-thinking community that welcomes innovation and opportunity,” said Frank Cahill, Chairman of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee. “The ripple effect on our local economy—from hotels and restaurants to small businesses—can be significant. We are currently in the application process to bring this program to Parsippany. This initiative will create growth, visibility, and new opportunities right here in our community.”
New Jersey has made significant investments in becoming a national hub for film production, including major studio developments such as Netflix’s planned facility at Fort Monmouth and Lionsgate’s studio in Newark. As production activity continues to increase statewide, Film Ready communities are positioned to capture growing demand for filming locations and support services.
Film projects often generate excitement among residents, offering opportunities to see productions firsthand and even participate as extras. This fosters community pride while connecting residents to one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing industries.
Parsippany’s leadership, including its Economic Development Committee, has consistently focused on initiatives that drive business growth and visibility. Becoming Film Ready aligns with that mission, reinforcing the township’s reputation as a business-friendly, forward-thinking community.
As New Jersey’s film industry continues to expand, Parsippany is well-positioned to leverage its strategic location, infrastructure, and community support to become a destination for production companies seeking their next set.
With the right preparation and partnerships, the cameras may soon be rolling right here in Parsippany.
For additional information contact Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, at (973) 559-6000.
Related
The 2026 New Jersey high school softball season has come to an end. Now is the time to answer the question: Who should be the New Jersey Softball Player of the Year?
Here are High School on SI’s New Jersey Softball Players of the Year for 2026. Scroll down to read about the list and cast your vote below.
Voting ends Sunday, July 5th, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Madison McDougall, St. John Vianney
McDougall was named Gatorade New Jersey Softball Player of the Year after leading St. John Vianney to a perfect season and the Non-Public A state championship. The senior and Monmouth commit went 29-0 with a 0.30 ERA and 312 strikeouts in the circle, along with a .626 batting average and 17 home runs at the plate.
Gabby Gonzalez, St. John Vianney
Gonzalez also helped the Lancers go undefeated in softball. The senior and FIU commit batted .500 with 51 hits, 43 RBIs, 12 home runs, 13 doubles, and 35 runs.
Brooke Douglas, Ocean City
Douglas led Douglas to the South Jersey Group 3 championship. The senior and Rhode Island commit batted .543 with 51 hits, 42 RBIs, 12 home runs, seven doubles, two triples, and 25 runs.
Mackenna Savage, Red Bank Catholic
Savage put up impressive numbers for Red Bank Catholic in 2026. The sophomore notched 15 wins in the circle with a 1.43 ERA and 286 strikeouts in 176.2 innings pitched.
Jordyn Ambrosius, West Deptford
Ambrosius stepped up for West Deptford this past season. The junior went 15-7 with a 1.75 ERA and 247 strikeouts in 143.2 innings pitched.
Audrey Amoruso, Indian Hills
Amoruso led Indian Hills to its second straight state sectional title. In the circle, the senior and Fordham commit went 20-5 with a 1.01 ERA, 248 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 159.2 innings pitched. At the plate, she batted .476 with 26 RBIs and four home runs.
Gemma DeJoseph, Delran
DeJoseph was very impressive for Delran in 2026. The sophomore led the state with 62 hits, while batting .620 with 48 RBIs, three home runs, 14 doubles, and 37 runs.
Jillian Cianfrocca, Mount St. Dominic
Cianfrocca led Mount St. Dominic to the Non-Public A state finals. The senior and Villanova commit hit .534 with 47 hits, 54 RBIs, 16 home runs, 15 doubles, and 54 runs.
Ava Kelshaw, Mount St. Dominic
Kelshaw also played a major role for a strong Lions team. The junior and Michigan commit notched an impressive 26 wins in the circle with a 0.63 ERA and 257 strikeouts. Additionally, she batted .388 with 33 RBIs.
Chloe Jacobson, Summit
Jacobson played a pivotal role on a strong Summit team in 2026. The sophomore hit .553 with 52 hits, 54 RBIs, 15 home runs, 10 doubles, and 39 runs.
Gylian Hixenbaugh, Donovan Catholic
Hixenbaugh was very solid for Donovan Catholic this past season. The junior and Dartmouth commit went 17-3 with a 1.86 ERA, 161 strikeouts, and 21 walks in 128 innings pitched.
Ella Redheffer, Clearview
Redheffer led Clearview to the South Jersey Group 3 finals. The sophomore stepped up by batting .583 with 56 hits, 40 RBIs, six home runs, 17 doubles, 48 runs, and 26 stolen bases.
About Our Athlete of the Week Voting
High School on SI voting polls are meant to be a fun, lighthearted way for fans to show support for their favorite athletes and teams. Our goal is to celebrate all of the players featured, regardless of the vote totals. Sometimes one athlete will receive a very large number of votes — even thousands — and that’s okay! The polls are open to everyone and are simply a way to build excitement and community around high school sports. Unless we specifically announce otherwise, there are no prizes or official awards for winning. The real purpose is to highlight the great performances of every athlete included in the poll.
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