DUI Lawyers in Hackensack, NJ

“Sounds like corruption,” Musk wrote on X in response to a Tesla post accusing the NJTA of cutting the company out in favor of a single third-party provider.

Sounds like corruption

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 30, 2025

In a statement on May 30, Tesla said the NJTA had “chosen a sole third-party charging provider” and was “not allowing us to co-locate.” The company said its 64 Superchargers would be decommissioned and blocked from renewal.

A spokesperson for the NJTA pushed back, saying Tesla’s license agreement had simply expired, and that the agency is moving forward with an expanded plan through Applegreen Electric, which already operates the food and retail side of the Turnpike and Parkway.

That agreement was amended in 2023 to include the rollout of 240 universal open-access EV chargers across all 21 Turnpike Authority service areas, officials said.

“Applegreen… was in the best position to roll out and manage EV chargers in the service areas,” NJTA spokesman Tom Feeney said.

The first universal chargers will go live June 6 at:

Molly Pitcher will follow in July 2025, with Clara Barton and John Fenwick online by fall 2025.

Courtesy of Tesla

Tesla said it had been preparing for this outcome for three years, building 116 stalls off the Turnpike in locations like Bellmawr, Mt. Laurel, and Monroe. Tesla’s Trip Planner will automatically reroute drivers to nearby chargers.

Tesla also claimed it offered “above-market commercial terms” and technology upgrades before being shut out. It called the NJTA’s decision a “setback” to the state’s clean energy goals.

“We are still willing to invest in New Jersey Turnpike sites if @NJTurnpike or @GovMurphy want to reverse this decision,” the company said.

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Bergen County is thrilled to announce the return of its Movies and Music in the Park Summer Series, presented by County Executive James Tedesco III, the Board of County Commissioners, and the County Parks Department. Beginning on July 8, this beloved seasonal tradition will feature 25 exciting events across four locations, inviting residents to enjoy live music and outdoor movies in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Best of all, every event is free and open to the public!

“There’s nothing like summer in Bergen County, and our Movies and Music in the Park Series is one of the best ways to enjoy it,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “With a fantastic lineup of concerts and movies across four beautiful parks, there’s truly something for everyone. Bring a blanket, bring the family, and come make some great summer memories with us.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for maximum comfort while they take in performances by talented musicians and screenings of popular films under the summer sky.

Six of the summer concerts will take place at The Stage at Riverside County Park–South, thanks to a partnership with the Borough of North Arlington. This scenic venue will provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable nights of live entertainment.

“There’s nothing better than bringing our community together on a summer night to enjoy great music and movies in our beautiful county parks,” said Commissioner Tom Sullivan. “These events are where families create fun summer memories that last a lifetime. We’re proud to keep this tradition going strong.”

Follow New Jersey Stage on social mediaFacebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky

Don’t miss out on a summer of music, movies, and community fun!

Movie Schedule (All movies start at sunset, approximately 8:30pm)

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story reported ongoing negotiations at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus. A new contract was settled late Thursday that includes safe staffing ratios, said an HPAE spokesperson.

Nurses at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin say they are ready to go on strike in 10 days if they can’t reach an agreement over staffing levels in a new contract with Hackensack Meridian Health.

An overwhelming majority of the hospital’s 350 nurses, 98%, authorized the strike in an April vote, according to the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union, Local 5138 website.

On Thursday, the union told the hospital the nurses will walk off the job June 9 if an agreement is not reached. The National Labor Relations Board prohibits strikes at health care facilities without at least 10 days’ notice to the institution and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

The union’s previous contract expired April 30. Nurses and management met at 10 a.m. Thursday, but negotiations broke down when the talks turned to staffing levels, said Anna Pona, president of Local 5138 and a registered nurse at the hospital.

“No other employer in the state disputes that there’s a nursing crisis, yet today at the table Hackensack Meridian Health officials told us Southern Ocean Medical Center doesn’t have a problem with staffing,” said Pona.

“However, we’ve just had testimony today from nurses who are in fear of coming to work. They don’t even know how to be a nurse yet and they’re coming out of school having seven or eight patients. That’s difficult for a seasoned nurse, not to mention a novice,” said Pona, who has 35 years experience.

Staffing levels have been a priority for nurses since bargaining sessions first began on Feb. 10, according to union leaders.

“Those people we’re taking care of are like family. I want to make sure that when my family is coming in, they’re being taken care of. I don’t want them to be left in the corner because they’re someone’s eighth patient,” said Pona.

Debbie White, president of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees, the union representing the nurses, said Hackensack Meridian Health is the only employer they’ve bargained with this past year that has resisted contract language limiting the number of patients nurses may be assigned.

In March 2023, the union released a position paper titled “CODE RED” which called attention to poor staffing and its byproducts, burnout and stress.

However, Hackensack Meridian Health claims management presented a proposal that prioritizes safe staffing, but the union refuses to let nurses vote on it.

According to a statement sent to NJ Advance Media, the proposal includes filling numerous open positions and outlines steps to address unexpected staffing changes, including overtime, float pool utilization, and agency staff. It also proposes establishing a dedicated staffing committee to regularly review staffing levels and address concerns.

Southern Ocean Medical Center will remain open during any strike using replacement nurses provided by a staffing agency, according to a statement provided by Hackensack Meridian Health.

“We remain committed to bargaining in good faith with HPAE to reach a tentative agreement on a new labor contract – hopefully without HPAE leading nurses on strike. The union has the option to withdraw its 10-day notice before its strike begins," the statement reads.

The dispute centers on what is best for patients, said White.

“We’re not just doing this because these nurses want an easy assignment. Nurses want their assignments limited so they can pay attention to their patients, so they can give them best possible care,” said White.

Several other nursing unions are in the midst of contract negotiations, including nurses at four Inspira Health hospitals. Contracts for nurses at those hospitals expire on Sunday.

There are 1,800 members at the Inspira Health hospitals.

Those talks are looking hopeful, said White.

In 2024, a bill was introduced by State Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex) and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) to make enforceable staffing ratios the law. However, the legislation did not advance past committee.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.

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BERGEN COUNTY TOURNAMENT FINAL

Friday, May 16 at Fair Lawn High School, 4:30 | BRACKET

4-Garfield (16-5) vs 2-Hackensack (22-1)

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Garfield: Garfield’s quest to the Bergen County title game started with a bye in the play-in round, and it prepared for its first round matchup against 13th-seeded Lyndhurst, where it earned a 2-1 victory. In the quarterfinal round, Garfield faced fifth-seeded Bergen Tech, and once again earned a close 2-1 win. Garfield moved on to the semifinal round where it faced its biggest test yet, going up against top-seeded Fair Lawn, No. 6 in the NJ.com Top 20 rankings, and earned a 3-2 victory in a best-of-five set.

Hackensack: Hackensack, the second seed in the Bergen County Tournament, earned a bye in the play-in round, and faced 15th-seeded Don Bosco Prep in the first round where it won 2-0. In the quarterfinal round, Hackensack defeated seventh-seeded Bergenfield, 2-1, and continued its undefeated season in a nail biter. Hackensack then competed in the semifinal round against third-seeded Ramapo, and won, 3-2, in a best-of-five set to clinch its spot in the 2025 Bergen County title game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

GARFIELD

Ylan Tapper, Sr.

Tapper has been one of the most consistent outside hitters all season long, and has led Garfield to a 16-5 record and an undefeated record in conference play. The senior has 303 kills this season along with 138 digs, and will be the biggest offensive threat for a very offensively skilled Garfield team.

Roger Chavez, Sr.

Chaves has 472 assists this season and is also a key contributor to a Garfield offense that has a high motor. The senior setter has 107 service points, and also has 14 aces in 50 sets played this season.

Raul Cortorreal, Sr.

Cortorreal has 191 digs this season, and has also added 133 service points to go along with 20 aces, which is second on the team. Cortorreal has been one of the most consistent members of this Garfield offense, and the fellow senior joins other veteran members of the starting lineup that has potential to breakout.

HACKENSACK

Marcos Estrada, Jr.

Estrada has been the leader and undisputed offensive threat for a very talented Hackensack offense. Estrada has 228 kills this season, along with 45 blocks and 14 digs, and has led Hackensack to a 22-1 record this season.

Ricky Lozado, Sr.

The senior has been a key contributor all season long, and has 336 assists, along with 116 service points and 68 digs. Lozado is just one member of a long list of veterans on this team, as Hackensack is coming into this tournament with a ton of experience at the varsity level.

Jason Ludizace, Sr.

Ludizace has 327 digs this season and has also contributed 24 assists and 95 service points to a team that not only excels on offense, but has been one of the better teams in the state defensively, leading to one of the best records so far this season across high school volleyball.

PREDICTION

Hackensack 2, Garfield 1

Tyler Duffy can be reached at tduffy@njadvancemedia.com.

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3-minute read

NorthJersey.com

HACKENSACK — The two slates opposing each other in the City Council election have raised more than $328,000 combined as they vie for the five council seats up for grabs May 13.

The Labrosse Team, headed by three-term Mayor John Labrosse, who is running with Deputy Mayor Kathy Canestrino, Lance Powell, Marlene Somerville and Richard Garcia, have raised $188,800, according to campaign finance reports.

Candidates Caseen Gaines, Agatha Toomey, Roberto Diaz, Philip Carroll and Sonya Clark-Collins, running together as the Hackensack Unites slate, have raised just over $140,500, according to the 11-day pre-election report filed May 2.

The two campaigns have taken issue with their rivals’ contributors as the election approaches.

Richard Cerbo, another candidate running for City Council, has not filed a finance report with the state Election Law Enforcement Commission, or ELEC.

The Labrosse Team has called out Hackensack Unites for accepting donations from developers, construction companies and firms despite the campaign’s statements opposing the recent wave of redevelopment in the city.

Hackensack Unites has questioned the Labrosse Team’s transparency, as some of its reports have been filed late and noted contributions that could be viewed as a conflict of interest.

Among the contributions to the challengers the Labrosse campaign has taken issue with are $10,000 from James Tseng, an owner of a large apartment building at 150-170 Main St. that Hackensack Unites had claimed in campaign materials pays “$0 in tax,” $5,000 from the developer Alfred Sanzari Enterprises and $2,500 from a landlord, Tommy Troiano.

Hackensack Unites accepted tens of thousands more from engineering firms and consultants that work with developers, a Labrosse campaign spokesperson said. Another $10,000 was given by the political action committee Rebuilding New Jersey, a group founded by political strategist Ed Rollins, that is supported and operated by “American patriots across New Jersey who stand for freedom, liberty, and conservative values,” according to its website.

“Caseen Gaines and the Hackensack Unites team spent months falsely claiming that developers pay '$0 in taxes,' using misleading rhetoric to scare voters,” said Nick Bond, a Labrosse campaign spokesperson. “Now, campaign finance records show they have accepted tens of thousands of dollars from those very same developers. That is not just hypocrisy. It is a betrayal of public trust.”

Jason DeAlessi, campaign manager for Hackensack Unites, said the slate has prioritized transparency throughout the campaign and has always filed its reports on time. The Labrosse campaign has repeatedly missed the filing deadlines set by the ELEC, he said.

That transparency has opened them up to attacks, but he said the campaign has been clear from the outset that every single contribution is noted and carries no strings attached.

“There are no promises, no deals, nothing,” he said. “That doesn’t change our campaign’s stance on no more 30-year tax abatements for developers. Our slate of candidates is ready to drive a much harder bargain than Labrosse ever did with developers.”

The Hackensack Unites slate opposes the financial agreements with developers, known as PILOTs, or payments in lieu of taxes, that have often been included as part of redevelopment projects downtown.

Under PILOTs, instead of paying normal property taxes, building owners pay a portion of their revenue to the city, which does not have to split the money with schools, as it would with traditional property taxes.

“Overdevelopment is the heart of our platform, and the fact is it’s been one 30-year PILOT after the next,” DeAlessi said. “While we understand the counterargument that you have to do something to inspire development, by redevelopment property number 13, 14 or 15, 30-year tax abatements should be off the table.”

The Labrosse Team has similarly taken tens of thousands from developers and firms that work with developers, including Joseph Basralian, an attorney representing a developer that proposed a 19-story assisted living facility on Prospect Avenue, who gave the campaign $2,500, DeAlessi said.

That application was rejected by the city Zoning Board in April and Labrosse spoke out against the proposal shortly before the vote, but the application may be appealed or amended and brought back before the board.

“People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” DeAlessi said.

Bond, the Labrosse campaign spokesman, said the team has “always been transparent and honest” about its support for responsible redevelopment on Main Street.

“We welcome support from individuals and organizations who believe in Hackensack’s future,” he said. “The difference is that we do not pretend to oppose development while quietly taking money from developers.”

Most donations to Hackensack Unites have been in amounts of under $200, DeAlessi said.

“That over 65% of our contributions are low-dollar individual amounts speaks to the fact that this is a very grassroots campaign,” he said.

Each campaign has spent the money raised on fundraisers, political managers, strategists and spokespeople, mailers, digital ads and other forms of voter outreach, according to campaign finance reports.