Michael Diamond
@mdiamondapp.bsky.social
Business reporter for The Asbury Park Press in New Jersey, covering the economy and health care. "The job is done. We can go home now." Nikola Jokic.
Reposted by Michael Diamond
The difference between acquiring public data in PA vs. NJ is wild.
In PA, officials generally work with requestors and start from a place of "how can we get you this?"
In NJ, even requests for basic data often get denied. There's no wiggle room. Your request is closed. New OPRA law FTW.
In PA, officials generally work with requestors and start from a place of "how can we get you this?"
In NJ, even requests for basic data often get denied. There's no wiggle room. Your request is closed. New OPRA law FTW.
December 3, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The difference between acquiring public data in PA vs. NJ is wild.
In PA, officials generally work with requestors and start from a place of "how can we get you this?"
In NJ, even requests for basic data often get denied. There's no wiggle room. Your request is closed. New OPRA law FTW.
In PA, officials generally work with requestors and start from a place of "how can we get you this?"
In NJ, even requests for basic data often get denied. There's no wiggle room. Your request is closed. New OPRA law FTW.
'It was a travesty' A hearing for an NJ bill that would overhaul watchdog agencies turned spiteful, leaving observers to wonder: What was that about? www.app.com/story/news/i...
Why the Trenton hearing to overhaul NJ watchdogs was so important
An all-day hearing on a proposed law to consolidate, and some say weaken, oversight of powerful state leaders and business interests stunned many.
www.app.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:22 PM
'It was a travesty' A hearing for an NJ bill that would overhaul watchdog agencies turned spiteful, leaving observers to wonder: What was that about? www.app.com/story/news/i...
It was a harrowing 12 days for Fulfill. Here is how the Jersey Shore's biggest food bank - with the aid of the state Agriculture Department and local farmers - helped SNAP recipients get through the government shutdown. www.app.com/story/news/l...
What the Jersey Shore's biggest food bank did to help people make it through the shutdown
A pop-up food pantry in Lakewood, feeding 1,000 families, exemplified how the Fulfill food bank is feeding Monmouth and Ocean counties.
www.app.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:46 PM
It was a harrowing 12 days for Fulfill. Here is how the Jersey Shore's biggest food bank - with the aid of the state Agriculture Department and local farmers - helped SNAP recipients get through the government shutdown. www.app.com/story/news/l...
Some 800,000 New Jerseyans who receive food assistance through SNAP could see their benefits end in November if the federal shutdown isn't resolved. It could puts more pressure on local food banks that are already stretched thin. Story below. www.app.com/story/money/...
Federal shutdown means SNAP food benefits could stop; new rules squeeze NJ in particular
New Jersey is warning some 800,000 residents who receive food assistance that their benefits could expire beginning in November.
www.app.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Some 800,000 New Jerseyans who receive food assistance through SNAP could see their benefits end in November if the federal shutdown isn't resolved. It could puts more pressure on local food banks that are already stretched thin. Story below. www.app.com/story/money/...
Reposted by Michael Diamond
A federal judge has thrown out President Trump's lawsuit against The New York Times.
The suit, he says, "stands unmistakably and inexcusably athwart the requirements" of federal court rules.
It is "decidedly improper and impermissible."
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
The suit, he says, "stands unmistakably and inexcusably athwart the requirements" of federal court rules.
It is "decidedly improper and impermissible."
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
September 19, 2025 at 4:05 PM
A federal judge has thrown out President Trump's lawsuit against The New York Times.
The suit, he says, "stands unmistakably and inexcusably athwart the requirements" of federal court rules.
It is "decidedly improper and impermissible."
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
The suit, he says, "stands unmistakably and inexcusably athwart the requirements" of federal court rules.
It is "decidedly improper and impermissible."
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Michael Diamond
Update: At least three other high-ranking officials in CDC have also resigned.
“I am not able to serve in this role any longer because of the ongoing weaponization of public health,” one of the officials said in a note to staff.
“I am not able to serve in this role any longer because of the ongoing weaponization of public health,” one of the officials said in a note to staff.
August 27, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Update: At least three other high-ranking officials in CDC have also resigned.
“I am not able to serve in this role any longer because of the ongoing weaponization of public health,” one of the officials said in a note to staff.
“I am not able to serve in this role any longer because of the ongoing weaponization of public health,” one of the officials said in a note to staff.
Reposted by Michael Diamond
Yes, the stakes here are large. Very large.
August 26, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Yes, the stakes here are large. Very large.
Health insurers selling plans in New Jersey's Affordable Care Act market are proposing big rate hikes for next year, just as Congress is preparing to let federal subsidies expire. www.app.com/story/money/...
Rate filings show New Jersey health insurance plans are set to soar in 2026
New Jersey consumers are bracing for sharp increases in health insurance premiums in 2026.
www.app.com
August 18, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Health insurers selling plans in New Jersey's Affordable Care Act market are proposing big rate hikes for next year, just as Congress is preparing to let federal subsidies expire. www.app.com/story/money/...
Reposted by Michael Diamond
(NBC News) - President Donald Trump's pick to run the Bureau of Labor Statistics was among the crowd outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, with the White House saying he was a "bystander" who wandered over after seeing coverage on the news.
@ryanjreilly.com
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
@ryanjreilly.com
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
August 14, 2025 at 12:15 AM
(NBC News) - President Donald Trump's pick to run the Bureau of Labor Statistics was among the crowd outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, with the White House saying he was a "bystander" who wandered over after seeing coverage on the news.
@ryanjreilly.com
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
@ryanjreilly.com
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
Jersey Shore businesses are grappling with President Trump's scattershot tariffs. Do they absorb the cost or pass it onto customers? Do they hire or hold off? And can Saltwater Culture find an American clothing manufacturer that doesn't import fabric from overseas? www.app.com/story/money/...
Trump's unpredictable tariffs pressure Jersey Shore pizzerias, shops, manufacturers
Jersey Shore business owners are finding themselves unable to makes plans because of President Donald Trump's scattershot approach to tariffs.
www.app.com
August 13, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Jersey Shore businesses are grappling with President Trump's scattershot tariffs. Do they absorb the cost or pass it onto customers? Do they hire or hold off? And can Saltwater Culture find an American clothing manufacturer that doesn't import fabric from overseas? www.app.com/story/money/...
Reposted by Michael Diamond
new piece from on the 60th anniversary of the voting rights act, and what the law has meant for american democracy www.nytimes.com/2025/08/06/o...
Opinion | Donald Trump and John Roberts Have a Lot in Common
www.nytimes.com
August 6, 2025 at 11:43 AM
new piece from on the 60th anniversary of the voting rights act, and what the law has meant for american democracy www.nytimes.com/2025/08/06/o...
Reposted by Michael Diamond
This is awful. Reliable economic data is a key strength of the US economy.
When Argentina and Greece faked economic data it contributed to major crises.
I don't think Trump will be able to fake the data given the procedures. But there is now a risk plus an awful appearance.
When Argentina and Greece faked economic data it contributed to major crises.
I don't think Trump will be able to fake the data given the procedures. But there is now a risk plus an awful appearance.
August 1, 2025 at 6:40 PM
This is awful. Reliable economic data is a key strength of the US economy.
When Argentina and Greece faked economic data it contributed to major crises.
I don't think Trump will be able to fake the data given the procedures. But there is now a risk plus an awful appearance.
When Argentina and Greece faked economic data it contributed to major crises.
I don't think Trump will be able to fake the data given the procedures. But there is now a risk plus an awful appearance.
Reposted by Michael Diamond
We need to amend the Constitution to require every US senator to take Econ 101 before assuming office.
Tim Scott: "Our employment? Almost at full employment, 4.1 percent. What else do we need to have this economy on fire? We need lower interest rates."
July 31, 2025 at 12:34 PM
We need to amend the Constitution to require every US senator to take Econ 101 before assuming office.
Reposted by Michael Diamond
Final CBO score of the "big beautiful bill" is out
Largest Medicaid cuts ever - in fact, at least 4 times the size of the previous largest; $894-$990 bn cut
Kicks 10 million off health insurance
Largest SNAP cuts ever, $197 bn cut
Still increases the deficit by $3.4 trillion from huge tax cuts
Largest Medicaid cuts ever - in fact, at least 4 times the size of the previous largest; $894-$990 bn cut
Kicks 10 million off health insurance
Largest SNAP cuts ever, $197 bn cut
Still increases the deficit by $3.4 trillion from huge tax cuts
July 21, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Final CBO score of the "big beautiful bill" is out
Largest Medicaid cuts ever - in fact, at least 4 times the size of the previous largest; $894-$990 bn cut
Kicks 10 million off health insurance
Largest SNAP cuts ever, $197 bn cut
Still increases the deficit by $3.4 trillion from huge tax cuts
Largest Medicaid cuts ever - in fact, at least 4 times the size of the previous largest; $894-$990 bn cut
Kicks 10 million off health insurance
Largest SNAP cuts ever, $197 bn cut
Still increases the deficit by $3.4 trillion from huge tax cuts
New Jersey is one of the healthiest states in the nation thanks in part to a huge expansion in the number of residents who have insurance, a report released today finds. But experts worry the progress could stall. www.app.com/story/news/h...
This is how NJ ranks nationwide on health, and what Medicaid cuts could do to it
New Jersey is one of the healthiest states in the nation, but its low-income residents continue to face barriers to get health insurance.
www.app.com
June 18, 2025 at 12:48 PM
New Jersey is one of the healthiest states in the nation thanks in part to a huge expansion in the number of residents who have insurance, a report released today finds. But experts worry the progress could stall. www.app.com/story/news/h...
Jersey Shore towns have struggled in recent years to hire enough lifeguards to staff their beaches and swimming pools, but Long Beach Township had an added challenge. Lifeguards no longer can find affordable housing for the season. How to address the problem? www.app.com/story/news/l...
Rent for $100 a week? Why a Jersey Shore town bought an old motel to house lifeguards
Long Beach Township spent $1.1 million on a 1970's-era motel to give out-of-state lifeguards an affordable place to stay for the summer.
www.app.com
June 16, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Jersey Shore towns have struggled in recent years to hire enough lifeguards to staff their beaches and swimming pools, but Long Beach Township had an added challenge. Lifeguards no longer can find affordable housing for the season. How to address the problem? www.app.com/story/news/l...
Freehold Raceway was home to horse racing for more than 170 years until it closed last December. Its new owner discusses how the deal came together and his plan for a life for the property after racing. Story below. www.app.com/story/market...
What's next for Freehold Raceway? New owner lays out details
Jake Lebowitz has purchased Freehold Raceway property, and he has visions of life after horse racing for the famed property.
www.app.com
June 13, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Freehold Raceway was home to horse racing for more than 170 years until it closed last December. Its new owner discusses how the deal came together and his plan for a life for the property after racing. Story below. www.app.com/story/market...
Southern Ocean Medical Center nurses' union agrees to a contract with Hackensack Meridian and averts a strike that was set to begin today. www.app.com/story/news/l...
Shore hospital nurses agree to new contract, avert Monday walkout
Southern Ocean Medical Center faced a Monday strike by hundreds of nurses if a deal was not reached.
www.app.com
June 9, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Southern Ocean Medical Center nurses' union agrees to a contract with Hackensack Meridian and averts a strike that was set to begin today. www.app.com/story/news/l...
Reposted by Michael Diamond
A lot can change in a decade, including the size of the state budget.
We tracked the growth, from increased spending on actuarially determined public-employee pension contributions to statutorily required K-12 public school aid payments.
@njspotlightnews.org
We tracked the growth, from increased spending on actuarially determined public-employee pension contributions to statutorily required K-12 public school aid payments.
@njspotlightnews.org
NJ’s ever-growing budget draws scrutiny | NJ Spotlight News
Spending on certain state-funded relief programs in New Jersey has increased by 300% over the last 10 years.
www.njspotlightnews.org
May 28, 2025 at 5:13 PM
A lot can change in a decade, including the size of the state budget.
We tracked the growth, from increased spending on actuarially determined public-employee pension contributions to statutorily required K-12 public school aid payments.
@njspotlightnews.org
We tracked the growth, from increased spending on actuarially determined public-employee pension contributions to statutorily required K-12 public school aid payments.
@njspotlightnews.org
A health clinic in Asbury Park has added the first vending machine in Monmouth County stocked with free syringes, wound kits, test strips and Narcan. It's part of a harm reduction program that New Jersey health officials say is saving lives. www.app.com/story/news/h...
Asbury Park vending machine offers free drug addiction supplies — and could save lives
A vending machine outside an Asbury Park clinic carries syringes, kits for using crack and Narcan to fight overdoses. It's designed to save lives.
www.app.com
May 15, 2025 at 12:53 PM
A health clinic in Asbury Park has added the first vending machine in Monmouth County stocked with free syringes, wound kits, test strips and Narcan. It's part of a harm reduction program that New Jersey health officials say is saving lives. www.app.com/story/news/h...
Reposted by Michael Diamond
Not the coffee. NOT THE COFFEE! www.app.com/story/money/... @mdiamondapp.bsky.social
Looming Trump tariff has this Ocean County coffee roaster buying every bean he can find
David Smithman has a garage filled with sacks of coffee beans as he tries to stock up for Yellow Dog Coffee Roasters before the Trump tariff starts.
www.app.com
May 6, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Not the coffee. NOT THE COFFEE! www.app.com/story/money/... @mdiamondapp.bsky.social
Mortgage rates are high. Stock market is faltering. Economy is uncertain. But Monmouth, Ocean County home prices keep reaching new records. www.app.com/story/money/...
NJ home prices: Here is what roiling stock market has done to spring 2025 home buying
More homes are available for sale in Monmouth and Ocean counties in spring 2025, but demand for them has not slackened. Here's what they cost.
www.app.com
May 2, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Mortgage rates are high. Stock market is faltering. Economy is uncertain. But Monmouth, Ocean County home prices keep reaching new records. www.app.com/story/money/...
Reposted by Michael Diamond
In a new memo, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the DOJ will allow for subpoenas, court orders and search warrants to get information and testimony from journalists.
Justice Department revokes Biden-era protections for reporters in leak investigations
In a new memo, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the DOJ will allow for subpoenas, court orders and search warrants to get information and testimony from journalists.
www.npr.org
April 26, 2025 at 12:34 AM
In a new memo, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the DOJ will allow for subpoenas, court orders and search warrants to get information and testimony from journalists.
Reposted by Michael Diamond
This is nonsense. Just nonsense.
200 trade deals no one knows about?
time.com/7280114/dona...
time.com/7280114/dona...
April 25, 2025 at 12:56 PM
This is nonsense. Just nonsense.
Reposted by Michael Diamond
Another set of absolutely dismal business-side surveys out today from the Philly and Richmond Feds
April 22, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Another set of absolutely dismal business-side surveys out today from the Philly and Richmond Feds