'Let's Go Brand*n' can be NJ candidate's slogan, but 'FJB' not OK

A perennial candidate can use a thinly-veiled version of a slogan meant as a slur to President Joe Biden on a primary ballot this June, as long as he removes three letters that are an acronym of the slogan's true meaning, according to the New Jersey Division of Elections.

That clarification in 4th Congressional District Republican candidate Robert Shapiro's race against longtime incumbent Chris Smith came Thursday, the New Jersey Globe reported, just hours before the Division had set a deadline for Shapiro to submit a new phrase or be designated by "No Slogan" on the ballot.

The report said Shapiro may use "Let's Go Brand*n," which omits one letter of a chant misheard by a NASCAR commentator in a 2021 television interview, if he removes the second part of his proposed slogan, "FJB," the three letters of which correspond as an acronym for the actual chant, "F*** Joe Biden."

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According to the Globe's report, Shapiro told officials that "FJB" were "just letters of the alphabet," but the state disputed his claim.

As previously reported, Shapiro only narrowly passed the threshold for petition signatures for his candidacy, the validity of which will now be called into question by a challenger to incumbent Democrat Rep. Andy Kim in the adjacent 3rd District, the Globe report said.

The New Jersey Globe report further identified Shapiro's current campaign as his 11th run for public office, headlined by a general election loss for a state Senate seat in 2017.

Patrick Lavery is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com

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NJ county fairs make a comeback: Check out the schedule for 2022

UPDATED 4/10: A current list of county fairs happening across the Garden State for 2022. From rides, food, animals, and hot air balloons, each county fair has something unique to offer.

(Fairs are listed in geographical order from South NJ to North NJ)

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Every NJ city and town's municipal tax bill, ranked

A little less than 30 cents of every $1 in property taxes charged in New Jersey support municipal services provided by cities, towns, townships, boroughs and villages. Statewide, the average municipal-only tax bill in 2021 was $2,725, but that varied widely from more than $13,000 in Tavistock to nothing in three townships. In addition to $9.22 billion in municipal purpose taxes, special taxing districts that in some places provide municipal services such as fire protection, garbage collection or economic development levied $323.8 million in 2021.