South Jersey

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, over delays in processing firearm carry permit applications. The DOJ announced the probe this week, alleging the delays violate the Second Amendment and citing a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that found lengthy waits for permit processing improperly deny citizens their right to public carry.

Township officials say their typical processing time runs four to six weeks, though Pennsauken has faced scrutiny over its firearm permitting practices in the past. The outcome could affect how local governments nationwide handle concealed and open carry applications amid continued legal pressure following the Supreme Court's expansion of gun rights.

In other South Jersey news, Collingswood officials are negotiating with Camden County over potential county support for the historic Scottish Rite Theater, which has required public subsidies since the pandemic. A financial evaluation and possible agreement details are still pending, with implications for the nonprofit currently operating the venue and its staff.

Voters in Cinnaminson Township, New Jersey, narrowly approved a $57.7 million school bond referendum in the Sept. 15 special election, according to unofficial results, passing by just nine votes (1,744 to 1,735) after mail and provisional ballots were counted. Final certification by county election officials is still pending. It is the largest bond measure in the South Jersey district's history.

A companion $18.3 million second question, which would have funded new classrooms at Memorial School, a gym at Eleanor Rush Elementary, and a synthetic stadium field at Cinnaminson High School, was rejected 1,927 to 1,536. The approved bond will fund infrastructure improvements, classroom additions, HVAC upgrades, and bathroom renovations, adding roughly $399 a year in taxes on an average-assessed home; the state will contribute $16.8 million. Superintendent Stephen Cappello called the result a sign that "every single vote truly matters."

Separately, Clementon voters rejected a $13.5 million bond for an early childhood center. Collingswood and Bordentown Regional have bond questions planned for the Nov. 3 general election.

New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday, a day after Gov. Mikie Sherrill released a 61-page report from a four-month investigation, led by former Attorney General Christopher Porrino's law firm, substantiating findings of sexual harassment and repeated ethics violations. Investigators found credible evidence that Caldwell made an unwanted romantic advance toward a staffer's friend, sought a promotion for a state employee he was secretly dating, and brought unpaid guests to ticketed events despite prior warnings. Sherrill said the episode reflected a longstanding Trenton culture of overlooking sexual harassment that her administration would no longer tolerate.

Caldwell, who is Black, suggested race played a role in the allegations and disputes the report's findings, saying he resigned to avoid distracting from Sherrill's administration; days later he preached at his church about false accusations. Acting Comptroller Shirley Emehelu now oversees the Division of Elections ahead of the midterms, while Senate President Nicholas Scutari serves as acting governor when needed. Sherrill has 45 days to name a permanent replacement, with reports suggesting she may favor another Black leader, possibly a woman, for the role.