Latest news with #NewJerseyUnites'
Politico
6 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Is Spadea's radio return imminent?
Good Wednesday morning! Former gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea wasn't at the 'New Jersey Unites' rally Saturday to boost Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli. 'Certain people are still being party poopers, but that's their call,' former state Sen Ed Durr told The Inquirer. Spadea has been uncharacteristically quiet since losing badly to Ciattarelli. But he may be talking to New Jerseyans again soon. There's informed speculation that he's going to be returning to the radio soon. Far-right podcaster Mike Crispi tweeted last week that Spadea is 'coming back to the airwaves' in September but didn't say where he heard it, or whether it would be back at NJ 101.5. And I've heard similar claims third-hand. A spokesperson for the station's parent company said they have nothing official to confirm yet. I've been expecting this for some time. Spadea didn't formally cut ties with 101.5, where he hosted the drive time show for 10 years. Rather, he's been on leave since he hosted his last show in January. And Spadea suggested during his concession speech that he'd return to his hosting gig, which he called 'the biggest microphone in this state.' My colleague Daniel Han has even recently heard commercials on the station read by Spadea (and presumably not the voice AI used by his campaign). 'Nothing has been announced yet about his next steps professionally, but we will have some exciting news to share soon,' former Spadea Campaign Manager Tom Bonfonti said in a statement. If Spadea's lack of attendance at the unity rally is any indication, he still hasn't come around on backing Ciattarelli. Will he, like he did four years ago, criticize the Republican nominee for governor from his perch on New Jersey's largest radio station? Or will he be sensitive to sour grapes accusations? Also in Spadea news, a three-year-old defamation lawsuit against him by child psychologist Steven Tobias looks to be headed for trial soon. Last week, a judge scheduled it for Oct. 20, though Spadea's attorney is seeking to get it moved to January, citing a dispute over depositions. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY? Back in New Jersey. He's in Kearny at 11 a.m. to sign this legislation on manufacturing tax credits QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'An elephant in Jersey? Fuhgeddaboudit.' — A billboard on Route 9 sponsored by World Animal Protection, which is demanding Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari shut down its elephant exhibit and release its five elephants to a wildlife sanctuary HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Gerry Krovatin, Larry Weitzner, Sharon Shinkle-Gardner, Kristin Ianco Yaeger WHAT TRENTON MADE SCUTABBA — Alina Habba dines with Scutari, O'Toole, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: Amid uncertainty about her tenure, controversial acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba met Monday night with a powerful New Jersey Democrat and several well-connected Republicans. Habba dined at Ristorante da Benito in Union with Democratic Senate President Nick Scutari, Port Authority Chair and former GOP state Sen. Kevin O'Toole, former New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and Tom Scrivo, O'Toole's law partner who served as chief counsel to Gov. Chris Christie. That's according to two officials with knowledge of the meeting who were granted anonymity to discuss a politically sensitive subject. The dinner suggests Habba is at least open to establishing relationships with powerful New Jersey Democrats, even after she expressed a desire to 'turn New Jersey red,' announced investigations into New Jersey's immigration enforcement policies, aborted the prosecution of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, indicted Rep. LaMonica McIver and announced an investigation of Gov. Phil Murphy's gaffe about housing a person above his garage 'whose immigration status is not yet at the point they are trying to get it to.' HOW NOT TO HELP DAD GET A PARDON — New Jersey Democrats are continuing to use President Donald Trump as a boogeyman as they look to boost Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill's gubernatorial bid against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Standing in front of the building formerly known as Trump Plaza in Jersey City on Tuesday, Rep. Rob Menendez was flanked by union leader Martinique Costa, and Lissa Santiago, an educator, for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's first stop in its statewide tour dubbed 'Jack's Not for Jersey.' Menendez chided Ciattarelli for his support of Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, echoing a line of messaging Sherrill has also used. 'In seven months, Trump has already failed New Jersey, and Jack is tied to all of those failures because he would support every single one,' Menendez said. 'That's going to be on the ballot in November.' Sherrill and her allies have consistently tied Ciattarelli to the president, with the hope that Trump's negative approval rating in the state and repeated warnings about how his policies could impact the economy will drag Ciattarelli down. Ciattarelli has pushed back against these attacks by asserting he is focused on New Jersey issues. — Madison Fernandez (headline by me) —'New details about hundreds of millions tacked on to NJ budget' —'Where's the pork in New Jersey's 2026 budget?' —'A teacher's murder over 50 years ago just prompted a landmark parole ruling against her killer' —'NJ state trooper from Brick pleads guilty to attempting to arrange sex with 14-year-old' —'Former South Toms River mayor to replace Democrat in LD10 race' —'Green Party names new lieutenant governor candidate' —'Stockton's Hughes Center, Press of Atlantic City to host 2nd District Assembly debate' TRUMP ERA INTIMIGRATION — 'Immigrant detentions in N.J. and Pa. rise as more people without criminal records are held,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Joe Yerardi: 'The number of people detained in ICE custody in New Jersey and Pennsylvania was up about 68% in July compared to figures at the start of President Donald Trump's administration, recently released government data show. At the same time, the proportion of detainees ICE classifies as 'non-criminal' has risen by more than 50% since mid-January (ICE did not respond to a question seeking a precise definition of that term). The increase in those cases, in which people are charged with immigration offenses, such as entering the country illegally or overstaying a visa, accounts for the entire growth in the region's detained population. There are currently seven active facilities in the region — five in Pennsylvania and two in New Jersey.' —'Two House Democrats vow to continue oversight visits at ICE jails' —'Pou, Kim and Booker must champion organ donation in NJ. Here's how | Opinion' —'National Republicans attack Nellie Pou over 'leaked memo' they wrote' LOCAL LUNA-CY — 'Fatal crash suspect had two prior DUIs. How was he allowed to drive?' by Red Bank Green's Brian Donohue: 'The Red Bank man charged with killing a mother and daughter in a Lakewood car crash had already been charged twice this year with driving under the influence, but may have been allowed to keep driving legally because of a statewide pause on thousands of DUI cases involving a new unproven breathalyzer machine, court officials, prosecutors and defense attorneys tell redgankgreen. Raul Luna-Perez, 43, has been charged with two counts of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide in the July 24 crash that killed Maria Pleitez (pictured below at center) and her daughter Dayanara Cortes, age 11. … Described by the US Department of Homeland Security officials as an 'illegal alien,' he was briefly detained by US Customs and Immigration Enforcement before being returned to the Ocean County Jail. It was far from the first time in recent months that police say Luna-Perez was driving drunk and recklessly … In both cases, he had court dates at Red Bank Municipal Court several weeks after his arrest. And in both cases, instead of having a trial or hearings in which he could have had his license suspended or been ordered to install an ignition interlock device on his car, the case was put on hold, according to both the Red Bank Municipal Court administrator and municipal prosecutor … John Hogan, a defense attorney with the firm Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, called it a 'massive backlog' that has turned into a years-long legal morass for victims, defendants, and municipal courts around the state.' LIVIN' ON THE RIVER EDGE — 'Ex-North Bergen housing ED used $20k in gov't funds for vendors to work on his home,' by Hudson County View's John Heinis: 'Former North Bergen Housing Authority Executive Director Gerald Sanzari used over $20,000 in government funds to pay vendors to do work on his home. In November 2024, the Township of North Bergen referred this matter to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office for review. This was roughly two months after Sanzari, a former deputy police chief, resigned 'due to personal health reasons,' as HCV first reported. He was replaced by Assemblyman Julio Marenco (D-33). The investigation found that on various dates between January 2022 and June 2024, the defendant utilized city vendors to perform contract work at his private residence.' THE MICHAEL J. FOX IN THE HENHOUSE — 'Family ties may block Newark board members from key vote on Superintendent Roger León's contract,' by Chalkbeat's Jessie Gómez: 'Three Newark school board members have relatives who work for the school district, connections that could prevent them from weighing in on a proposed extension of Superintendent Roger León's contract. Board President Hasani Council and members Kanileah Anderson and Louis Maisonave Jr. have more than one family member working for the district, according to this year's state personal and relative disclosure records. Under the Newark Board of Education's nepotism policy, members with a relative working in the district may not participate in matters concerning the superintendent's contract, including evaluations and contract discussions. Those board members must also exclude themselves from closed session discussions about the matter. The state's School Ethics Commission has also issued decisions to school districts that limit a board member's role in superintendent employment matters. The district's policy and state guidance could complicate a proposal to extend León's contract to 2030. Board members Anderson and Maisonave did not respond to Chalkbeat's questions about the perceived conflicts of interest. Council, in an email Monday, said it was 'insulting to suggest that board members are unaware of their responsibility to recuse themselves when personally impacted.'' BOIL TEMPER ADVISORY — 'Frustration grows in Paterson, N.J. on Day 5 of boil water advisory after water main break,' by CBS New York's Christina Fan: 'Officials said a leak preventing water pressure from returning following a massive water main break in Paterson, N.J. is being repaired. Nearly 200,000 people remain under a boil water advisory for a fifth straight day while repairs are being made. Officials said it could be the end of the week, or even next week, before that advisory is lifted.' RENT CONTROL IS SO PASSAI —'City of Passaic moves toward lowering its cap on rent hikes as advocacy groups speak up,' by The Record's Matt Fagan: 'The city continues to grapple with the issue of affordable rent and housing as it tries to make sure owners and landlords also get a reasonable return on their investment. The efforts have not gone unnoticed. At its Aug. 5 meeting, the City Council introduced an ordinance to cap rent increases at 3%, with several exceptions, including for newly constructed units, in front of a large crowd of tenants and advocacy groups. The proposed ordinance also eliminates vacancy 'decontrol,' which has allowed landlords to raise rents without limits when units become vacant, a move that advocates say essentially undermines housing affordability. The proposed ordinance, in part prompted by a proposed referendum by Make the Road New Jersey, an Elizabeth-based advocacy group, would require the city to impose a 3% annual rent cap.' HE STARTED DURING PANGEA, WHEN YOU COULD SWIM TO AFRICA — 'World record oldest ocean lifeguard still patrols 'God's pool' in Bay Head,' by The Asbury Park Press' Jerry Carino: 'One summer Saturday in the 1980s, Ed Kiziukiewicz was serving as captain of the lifeguards at Island Beach State Park when his crew's 8:30 a.m. meeting was interrupted by an urgent development. 'There were 28 people in trouble in a rip current,' Kiziukiewicz recalled. 'So we took care of that.' … Yes, Kiziukiewicz is still lifeguarding four decades later, and that span is just a portion of his tenure. His career as Jersey Shore ocean lifeguard began 1962 — this is summer No. 64 for the 82-year-old, who has been certified by Guinness World Records as the globe's oldest male open-water lifeguard. 'He's such an inspiration to everybody here,' said Hank Handchen, Bay Head's longtime beach superintendent. 'He's got more knowledge than anybody.'' —'The slow-moving fight to clean New Jersey's most contaminated river' —'[Edison]. judge admits drinking before crash, violating rules for judges' —'[Seaside Heights] will close beaches after lifeguards leave following drowning, mayor says' —'Freehold Fire Chief placed on administrative leave after arrest for assault' —'These 3 councilmen want to be mayor of [Paterson]. All are already in legal trouble' —'Icona seeks signatures in favor of plan for luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk' —'In Camden and Atlantic City, health care systems are treating housing as a public health issue' —'Demolition ceremony marks new beginning for Camden's Eastside High School' —'[Mount Laurel] employee accused of sexually assaulting underage girl, investigators say' EVERYTHING ELSE 'SHAKE AND BAKE' NOW AN APPROPRIATE N.J. CANNABIS LOUNGE NAME — 'Big spike in N.J. earthquakes could mean more tremors will hit this year, expert predicts,' by NJ Advance Media's Len Melisurgo: 'New Jersey residents who were rattled by the recent spree of earthquakes in Bergen and Morris counties may have to get accustomed to the sudden shaking and loud booms, according to an earthquake expert who had predicted an uptick in seismic activity several years ago. Alexander Gates, a geology professor at Rutgers University's Newark campus who studies the locations and movements of quake faults, said the Garden State and New York metro region appear to be amid a recurring 40-year cycle of increased seismic activity. Gates said he teamed up with a Rutgers graduate student to research and plot out all the earthquakes that have occurred in the region since 1975, when seismograph technology became more reliable. And in a presentation they gave at a scientific conference in 2020, they predicted our region would likely see an uptick in earthquakes within a few years. That's exactly what ended up happening … Gates believes the huge spike in tremors last year and this year may be part of the cycle he and his fellow researchers had predicted. If that's the case, then there's a good chance New Jersey will see more quakes shaking the ground during the next several months and perhaps next year.' THE SKELETONS MENENDEZ PROMISED? — 'A pig bone. An old soap factory. What else will the Hudson River rail tunnel work dig up?' by The Record's Colleen Wilson: 'There is no telling what could be found during excavation of an old landfill beneath a crumbling parking lot on Manhattan's 12th Avenue — or in the swampy Meadowlands of North Jersey — during the dig to build a new two-track rail tunnel under the Hudson River. Perhaps discarded remains of the Pennsylvania Railroad's historic New York Penn Station will be uncovered. Or tools and artifacts from Indigenous populations of the past. Who knows — maybe they'll find the body of Jimmy Hoffa, the union leader who mysteriously disappeared in 1975 and who, according to urban legend, was buried under the old Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands. So far, none of those things have been unearthed — but some items have been discovered already, and the excavation is just beginning. … So far, none of those things have been unearthed — but some items have been discovered already, and the excavation is just beginning.' GET DOWN PAYMENT ON IT — 'North Jersey home of Kool & The Gang founder hits market for $7.5 million,' by The Record's David Zimmer: 'A Montclair property formerly owned by Dennis 'Dee Tee' Thomas, a founding member of the legendary funk and soul band Kool & the Gang, has been listed for $7.5 million. Listed in August 2025 by Allison Maguire of Brown Harris Stevens, the property at 82-84 Watchung Ave. includes two four-story townhouses designed as a split two-family residence. Thomas purchased the Montclair homes in 1999 for about $375,000, according to county records.'
Politico
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Politico
The gov race and guilt by association
Good Monday morning! There's a lot of guilt by association accusations going around the New Jersey governor's race. Like with so many other contests, Republicans have been pressing Mikie Sherrill on whether she supports Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist they accuse of anti-semitism over his criticism of Israel, since he won the New York mayoral primary. That's fair enough. Mamdani has said he supported or refused to condemn some pretty controversial sentiments, like 'globalize the intifada,' even if he's lately been gently walking some of that back. And if Sherrill is going to be New Jersey's governor and Mamdani the mayor of New York City, they're going to have to deal with each other and policies that come from the furthest reaches of her party's left flank. Sherrill has been cagey about her support for Mamdani, giving mushy answers on whether she supports him. And big-name Democrats have done the same, uncomfortably avoiding formal endorsements. On Saturday, Ciattarelli headlined a 'New Jersey Unites' rally in Seaside Heights, which featured Republican activist Scott Presler. Presler is a social media star and has been spending a lot of time in New Jersey to register Republicans and boost the party's chances at flipping the governor's seat. The Sherrill campaign seized on the association late last week. 'Jack Ciattarelli hitting the trail alongside Scott Presler is yet more proof that Jack will roll over and let Trump turn New Jersey into his stomping ground to drive up prices and take away our rights,' spokesperson Carly Jones said in a press release, in response to this Philadelphia Inquirer article. Presler in 2017 coordinated 'anti-Sharia' marches for ACT for America, which the anti-Defamation League describes as 'the largest anti-Muslim group in the United States,' saying it 'propagates the hateful conspiracy theory that Muslims are infiltrating US institutions in order to impose Sharia law.' (Like Mamdani, Presler's embraced other controversial ideas as well, but for the sake of apples-to-apples I'm just bringing up religion.) Presler isn't in as high stakes a position as Mamdani, who's the frontrunner to lead the biggest and most important city in the country. But Ciattarelli has also associated himself more closely with Presler than Sherrill has with Mamdani. In a statement, Ciattarelli campaign manager Eric Arpert said Sherrill believes that New York, where roughly half a million New Jerseyans commute for work, 'should be run by a man who wants to defund the New York City Police Department, wants to stop sending law enforcement officers to respond to domestic violence calls, still refuses to condemn the violent 'globalize the intifada' and has said Israel does not have the right to exist as a Jewish state. Never mind that he wants to do away with free market capitalism and shutter private businesses.' 'That's Mamdani today, not years ago, and that's who Mikie Sherrill supports to lead our neighboring city for years to come,' Arpert said. 'Why? Because the truth is, they're both radicals.' I'm not interested in tsk-tsking anyone or policing language. But if candidates are playing the game of guilt by association, I think they should be held to the same standard. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ SHOW ME THE WAY: Acting Gov. Tahesha Way has no public schedule QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'The state NAACP has some very good people doing some very good things every day. But Richard Smith, I'm afraid, has shown he cares less about the little guy than the wealthy elites like Norcross.' — New Jersey Working Family Alliance state director Antoinette Miles, following the NAACP's criticism of Attorney General Matt Platkin's since-dismissed indictment of George Norcross HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Ben Albert, Erica Daughtrey, Aileen McCandless, Tony Ghee. WHAT TRENTON MADE KEEPING MUM-DANI — Mamdani supports Sherrill, who keeps her distance, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez: New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani said he supports Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill in her bid for governor of New Jersey. The other way around? Not so much. Mamdani said he 'absolutely' would support Sherrill in an interview with PIX11's Dan Mannarino on Friday. Sherrill has not offered an outright endorsement of Mamdani — though her opponent, Republican Jack Ciattarelli, has sought to tie her to the democratic socialist. 'Mikie Sherrill is 100% focused on New Jersey and beating Trump-endorsed 100% MAGA Jack Ciattarelli — she'll leave New York endorsements to New Yorkers,' Sherrill campaign spokesperson Sean Higgins said in a statement. While New Jersey governors and New York City mayors often work together, it's not an issue that is as top of mind for New Jersey voters compared to affordability and the economy. Still, the debate over Mamdani nationwide is indicative of tensions in the Democratic Party as members figure out the path forward ahead of the competitive midterm elections. KEVIN WALSH MAKES ANOTHER ENEMY — 'Caldwell-helmed co-op faced audit over contracting, surplus practices,' by New Jersey Globe's Zach Blackburn: 'Dale Caldwell, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, possesses a long and distinct résumé: Centenary University president, pastor, school board member, tennis community leader, and more. A less eye-catching role of his was the presidency of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey, a little-known but wide-reaching procurement cooperative that secures contracts for more than 700 school districts and local governments throughout the state. Caldwell served as a top official at the commission for more than two decades, during which the agency transformed. The commission started as a Middlesex County-based co-op that helped local schools secure contracts on services ranging from utilities to health insurance. By 2016, the commission had partnered with hundreds of districts across the state's 21 counties, even changing its name to reflect its new statewide mission. Last year, Caldwell resigned from the commission, as well as his longtime role on the New Brunswick Board of Education, to devote more time to his work at Centenary. But last July, shortly after Caldwell departed, the Office of the State Comptroller published an audit that found the commission improperly procured contracts, amassed an excessive surplus of taxpayer money, and failed to consider alternative health insurance providers.' — Key calculations on health benefits savings expected this week — ''Times have changed': Paid vs. volunteer fire departments represent complex issue in NJ' — 'What Makes Jersey Run: Will Black voters connect with Sherrill? Or boost Ciattarelli?' — 'As electric bills rise, evidence mounts that data centers share blame. States feel pressure to act' — Opinion: 'How Phil Murphy caused New Jersey electricity prices to soar' TRUMP ERA SAVING GRACE — 'NJ prosecutor fired to make way for Alina Habba files appeal,' by Bloomberg's Justin Wise and David Voreacos: 'The former deputy for New Jersey's US attorney claims she was fired in 'direct retaliation' for judges appointing her as the state's top federal prosecutor. Desiree Grace said her July 22 termination was 'completely unjustified,' according to her appeal filed to the US Merit Systems Protection Board, the body which mediates challenges from federal workers over adverse employment decisions. The appeal, which Bloomberg Law obtained through a Freedom of Information Act Request, comes as a federal judge in Pennsylvania weighs whether President Donald Trump lawfully appointed Alina Habba, his former personal attorney, to the acting US attorney role. The case carries broader implications. At least two criminal defendants have argued that Trump overstepped a court's authority and that prosecutors can no longer pursue cases at Habba's direction.' PYRAMID SCHEME — 'Menendez is in jail, but his foreign bribers are still cashing in. Why?' by Tom Malinowski for NJ Advance Media: 'In New Jersey, we think of the fall of former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez as a story of old fashioned corruption — a politician taking gifts for favors. For that crime, Menendez is now serving an 11 year prison sentence … But there is an equally disturbing side of the story that's gotten less attention, involving the people on the other side of the transaction ... As evidence in Menendez's trial showed, the government of a foreign dictatorship — Egypt — and its willing partners in the United States used the former senator to gather intelligence on our country, and to change our government's foreign policy, by easing restrictions on arms sales that were put in place because of Egypt's imprisonment and torture of dissidents. The trial also made clear that a New Jersey company — IS EG Halal based in Edgewater — played a vital role in parts of the corrupt scheme … So what has happened to the authors of this scheme? After the Menendez indictment, Democrats in the U.S. Senate temporarily held up some U.S. aid to Egypt, but the current Republican-led Congress is moving to lift all restrictions on that aid — which would be even more than what the Egyptians hoped to get from bribing Menendez. No Egyptian official has been sanctioned by the U.S. government for trying to corrupt our political system, though prosecutors and reporters identified some of them and the Treasury and State Departments have legal authority to freeze their assets and to ban them from entering the U.S.' — 'FAA proposes to extend flight restrictions at Newark airport until 2026' LOCAL PUTTING OUT THE FIREMAN — 'After long process, NJDEP unveils Liberty State Park Master Plan at open house,' by Hudson County View's Daniel Ulloa: 'The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) unveiled the Liberty State Park Master Plan to revitalize Jersey City's premiere open space at an open house last night after great deliberation and public input … [NJDEP Commissioner Shawn] LaTourette noted the extensive advocacy for further development of the post-industrial space that has been done, and as a result, they launched a program to clean the soil of the interior portion of the park in October 2023. 'The DEP set a determined course for transforming Liberty State Park into one of the nation's premier outdoor urban environments,' he declared. LaTourette noted the interior will be natural, but it will have an engineered landscape to increase storm protection measures, along with active recreation. He further stated that the train shed canopy will serve as a market and gathering space, while the south side will house an athletics hub with regulation fields, tracks, and athletic courts … However, the total cost of the ambitious master plan vision is very high: He indicated it would cost $1 billion and take 10 years to complete all the recommended improvements.' CLOSTER PHOBIA — 'Bergen man's swastika-adorned car prompts outrage, calls for investigation,' by The Record's Deena Yellin: 'New Jersey law enforcement agencies are investigating a Closter man after a photo of his car, adorned with a swastika decal and the URL of his anti-Jewish writings, circulated on social media. The swastika was subsequently removed and someone spray-painted a neon green Jewish star on the vehicle on Thursday. Nonetheless, the original photo, which was shared earlier this week on X by the advocacy organization Stop Antisemitism, raised alarms among Jewish community members and Closter residents. The photo also showed the car bearing a New York State emergency medical technician license plate, leading a New York lawmaker to call for the plates to be revoked.' MAMMAS DON'T LET YOUR BABIES GROW UP TO BE GLOU BOYS — 'Parents can be fined or charged for their kids' bad behavior in a South Jersey town,' by 6ABC's Leland Pinder: 'Under a new ordinance in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, parents or guardians of minors involved in public disturbances could face fines or even jail time. The new law is in response to incidents of youth misbehavior, including at last year's Gloucester Township Day where fights broke out and hundreds of teens caused chaos at Veterans Park and a nearby shopping center. Gloucester Township Day was cancelled this year because of the chaos that unfolded at last year's event. Officials hope this new level of accountability will crack down on bad behavior … According to police, the ordinance lists 28 offenses ranging from felonies to minor infractions like loitering or breaking curfew. If a child is repeatedly found guilty in juvenile court, that's when a parent could face 90 days in jail and/or a hefty $2,000 fine.' PROTECT YA TEANECK — 'Jury awards Teaneck police officer over $2.1 million in whistleblower lawsuit,' by The Record's Kaitlyn Kanzler: 'A Teaneck police officer was awarded just over $2.1 million by a jury on Aug. 7 after blowing the whistle on excessive force within his department. In April 2022, Officer Glenn Coley filed a lawsuit against the borough, the police department, the former police chief and several ranking officers. The lawsuit named former Chief Glenn O'Reilly, Capt. Michael Ferrante, Capt. Kenneth Croonquist, Sgt. Jeanne Williams and Sgt. Kenneth Egbert, but that O'Reilly in particular, made up events and allegations to suspend him and retaliate against him. Coley was awarded $937,200 in compensatory damages and $1,180,000 in punitive damages. The lawsuit said the hostilities against Coley stemmed from his testimony on behalf of a Black Teaneck woman who had been the victim of police brutality in 2014.' RUTHERFORD — 'After fire destroys their synagogue, congregants gather to pray,' by Mark Bonamo for The New York Times: 'Even after their synagogue had burned to the ground, members of Congregation Beth El in Rutherford, N.J., gathered, as always, for Sabbath services on Saturday, grateful no one had been hurt and pledging to rebuild. More than 100 people prayed outdoors under large white tents near the charred debris of the building, mindful of what had been lost — and who had been saved. Congregants dusted soot from their chairs. The service competed with the sound of backhoes removing rubble from the site, just yards away. 'Seven Torah scrolls are gone, with no remnants — this is very painful for us,' Rabbi Yitzchok Lerman told those assembled. 'I want to say thank you, God, for sparing my life and sparing my family.' The synagogue fire, in a residential neighborhood of Rutherford, a small community in Bergen County, started in the early hours of Friday morning. Rabbi Lerman, his wife and four of their children narrowly escaped without injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation, but there was no indication that it was criminal in nature, John R. Russo, Rutherford's police chief, said on Friday.' TO DEMONSTRATE THAT IT DOES NOT EMBRACE FASCISM, FRANCONI'S WILL RENAME ITSELF FRANCO'S — 'Sources: Controversial Wildwood Pizzeria shuts down after bomb threat,' by Philadelphia Magazine's Victor Fiorillo: 'On Tuesday, I told you about a controversy that had erupted online after a person visiting Franconi's Pizza on the boardwalk in Wildwood discovered Nazi imagery hanging on a wall in the kitchen, as seen above. Four days later, the restaurant had to shut down temporarily on a busy Friday afternoon at the Shore after someone reportedly made a bomb threat against the restaurant. Social media images in various Wildwood Facebook groups show photos of police tape and officers blocking off the entrance to Franconi's Pizza along the boardwalk and officers speaking with employees and management at Franconi's on the side street next to the restaurant.' — 'Neptune cop hired in 2023 failed to disclose he was fired by the NYPD' — 'A decades-old elementary school is being torn down for houses, and these [Long Beach Island] mayors are not happy' — Moriarty: 'Camden's success can teach us how to reduce crime in N.J.' EVERYTHING ELSE BASEBALL JERSEY — 'Jen Pawol breaks MLB's gender barrier as the first female umpire to work a regular-season game,' by The AP's Charles Odum: 'Jen Pawol felt love and support from fans, family, peers and players as she made history as the first female umpire to work a regular-season game in the major leagues. 'It was amazing when we took the field,' Pawol said. 'It seemed like quite a few people were clapping and calling my name. That was pretty intense and emotional.' Pawol's much-anticipated debut came as the first base umpire for Saturday's first game of a split doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. It was a smooth debut … Pawol, who is from New Jersey, had only a few days to prepare for Saturday's doubleheader.' — 'What is 4-H? At NJ State Fair, it's about cows, rabbits, leadership and legacy' — 'Clifton High School Beekeeping Club takes honey to market, sells out fast' — 'FedEx 'lied' and messed with the wrong church. This N.J. pastor fought back against 'extortion''
