October 24, 2017

October 24, 2017 Cloudy with scattered thunderstorms and highs in the lower 70s. HUNDREDS OF NEW HOMES IN NJ WERE BUILT WITH TOXIC CHEMICAL A major lumber supplier made a bad batch of floor joists late last year, causing them to emit formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that can cause acute health problems. NJ.com says the production mistake wasn't disclosed for months, leading to the construction of hundreds of homes across the state and country that were built with the toxic timber. NJ LAWMAKERS SEEK TO BAN NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT A bipartisan group of lawmakers in New Jersey are working on legislation that would ban nondisclosure agreements designed to cover up sexual harassment and assault. CBS News says the legislation is meant as a response to reports of multiple non-disclosure settlements reached between Harvey Weinstein and his accusers. Similar legislation is being considered in New York. KIM GUADAGNO PROPOSES BAN ON SANCTUARY CITIES IN NJ Republican candidate for governor Kim Guadagno has proposed banning sanctuary cities in New Jersey if she is elected. NJTV says her plan would give the governor the power to withhold funding or issue fines to sanctuary cities in the state and require local law enforcement to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. UNLIKELY PARTNERS SAY $7B AMAZON SWEETENER NOT WORTH IT TO NJ New Jersey's increasingly lavish attempts to convince Amazon to built its second headquarters in the Garden State is creating strange bedfellows and improbable alliances in opposition to the state's efforts. NJ Spotlight says representatives from the liberal think tank NJ Policy Perspective are teaming up with officials from the conservative-leaning Americans For Prosperity-New Jersey and the American Legislative Exchange Council to voice their opposition to the proposed $7 billion tax incentive plan intended to woo Amazon. MEGA MILLIONS RAISING TICKET PRICES The price of a New Jersey Mega Millions ticket is set to double at the end of the month – from $1 to $2. The Record says the move comes on the heels of years of declining revenue from the agency running the lottery. Players will also see changes to the design of the game.