9 Things NJ Needs To Know This Week

NEW JERSEY - Good morning, New Jersey Patch readers! Welcome to Patch’s New Jersey Monday Manual, a brief round up of news you can use heading into the new week.

Weather

• Summer-like temperatures are expected starting Monday, with highs expected in the mid-70s on Monday and temperatures in the high-70s on Tuesday and Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. AccuWeather reports daytime temperatures will feel even warmer, with RealFeel temperatures near 82 degrees Monday, 86 degrees Tuesday and 85 degrees Wednesday. Read more.

Politics

• A controversial bill that would make sweeping changes to New Jersey’s open public records law is headed to the desk of Gov. Phil Murphy for a potential signature – or a possible veto. The legislation would make changes to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), which guarantees the public’s right to certain government records, and creates an appeal process for denials. Read more.
• Earlier this year, New Jersey’s largest city passed a law that lowers its voting age for school elections to 16. Now, the rest of the state would follow Newark’s lead if a proposed law crosses the finish line. Read more.

Openings/Closings

• Red Bank Veterinary Hospital opened its new "fur-ever" home at 100 Schulz Drive (right next to the new Middletown Life Time) on Saturday.

• A new Mexican restaurant, Taco de Ojo Taqueria, has opened in Westfield.
• Celebrity Chef David Burke recently opened The Bernie as his new speakeasy/supper club in Bernardsville featuring top-tier entertainment and a lineup of culinary experiences.
• More than 50 Red Lobster locations across 21 states, including four in New Jersey, abruptly closed their doors.
• Hoboken's newest of three second-hand stores opened its doors Saturday.
• Tasca in Montclair opened Friday, featuring “reimagined Iberian cuisine” that takes familiar Portuguese and Spanish ingredients and creates an entirely new dish.