Latest news with #Pou
Politico
5 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Pou takes heat over Israel trip
Good Thursday morning! Two freshman Democrats from New Jersey just went on an AIPAC-affiliated trip to Israel: Nellie Pou and Herb Conaway. But only Pou represents a district with a big Palestinian-American population. And it's getting pushback — from the right and left. As noted last week, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh hasn't ruled out a challenge to Pou. Yesterday, Sayegh's wife, Farhanna, asked her Facebook followers to 'flood' Pou's office with phone calls. 'While we struggle to pay our taxes and wait far too long for critical infrastructure repairs, our congresswoman Nellie Pou is off on a 'free' vacation to Israel,' she wrote. 'Last year, an estimated $22.8 BILLION of our hard-earned money went to military operations in Israel — fueling war crimes instead of fostering peace.' The Israel visit comes at a time when news of starvation in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to seize Gaza City have led to significant opposition from some Senate Democrats. Pou is far from the New Jersey delegation's closest Israel ally. In a July 26 statement she called for increased humanitarian aid and a permanent ceasefire, citing 'deteriorating conditions and loss of innocent lives in Gaza.' She (and Conaway) also voted against this AIPAC-backed bill to sanction non-Americans who assist the International Criminal Court in prosecuting Israelis, even though almost half of New Jersey's Democratic delegation supported it. Farhanna Sayegh's comments followed a critical social media post about the trip by Paterson Black Lives Matter activist Zellie Thomas, who told me he would ' love to see a primary against' the congresswoman 'so there can be a real debate around some of these issues and not have her believe that she's a shoo-in.' Pou Campaign Manager Morghan Cyr in a statement called her trip a 'fact-finding mission' in which she spoke to both Israeli government and Palestinian Authority officials. 'In her interactions with Israeli government officials, she pressed them for details on getting more aid to Palestinians, for getting the hostages home safely, and for their plans for ending this war. She met with the UN World Food Programme and other aid distribution groups to discuss their aid distribution plan and urge them for immediate progress,' Cyr said. 'The Congresswoman's goals for the region remain unchanged: a two state solution allowing peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians, release of all the remaining hostages, safe distribution of more humanitarian aid to Gaza, the removal of Hamas, and an immediate ceasefire so the hard work of rebuilding can begin.' Pou is also facing criticism over Passaic County's water crisis. GOP opponent Billy Prempeh criticized her for being overseas 'chasing foreign donor points' instead of being in Washington to push for funding commitments. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY? In Trenton at 11:15 a.m. for the Sheila Oliver portrait unveiling QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'When my children were growing up, I did not have an app to tell me where they were. But I'll tell you that I knew where they were, I knew who they were with, and I knew what they were doing. There is no excuse today not to know where your child is.' — Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer on Fox News, defending his town's ordinance to penalize parents for rowdy teens HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Anthony Attanasio, Parimal Garg, Nick Friedman, Charlie Kratovil WHAT TRENTON MADE 1 SPILLER OF DIVERTED OPIOID FUNDS — 'Senior lawmaker looks to undo controversial budget diversion of opioid funds,' by NJ Spotlight News' Lilo H. Stainton: 'State Sen. Joe Vitale said he is now looking to claw back the opioid settlement funding the New Jersey Legislature diverted to four hospital systems as part of a raft of secretive, last-minute changes to the $59 billion state budget it approved in late June. … At that time, Vitale (D-Middlesex), the longtime chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, said that while hospitals play an important role in addiction response, shifting $45 million in 'dedicated' resources away from community-driven programs was an 'awful idea.' Vitale has led the Legislature's efforts to reduce the death and disease-spread that can result from addiction. 'I'd like to have the money restored for its original intention,' Vitale told NJ Spotlight News on Tuesday, noting that he is examining ways that could be done, including by working with the administration of Gov. Phil Murphy to identify $45 million elsewhere.' WIND DOWN — 'New Jersey revokes approval for Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm; company calls it 'a pause',' by The Press of Atlantic City's Wayne Parry: 'New Jersey utility regulators on Wednesday canceled their preliminary approval of the Atlantic Shores offshore wind energy project as the industry continues to struggle with financial challenges and an all-out assault from President Donald Trump. But the company called the action 'a pause,' not necessarily the end of the project. The state Board of Public Utilities terminated the Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate for Atlantic Shores, a proposed two-phase wind farm between Atlantic City and Barnegat Light with 197 wind turbines capable of powering 1 million homes. On June 4, Atlantic Shores asked the BPU to do so, saying the project is 'no longer viable' due to Trump's war on wind power and economic challenges facing the industry. But it also indicated it might seek to revive the project in the future, calling the cancellation 'a reset period.'' —'NJ board approves $100 in electric bill credits as prices soar' —''This came out of the blue': Why firms are pushing back against New Jersey's proposed independent contractor rule' —'Monmouth Republicans target proposed independent contractor rules' —'Nearly 300 N.J. school bus companies failed to prove drivers were qualified, review finds' — 'He tried to blame his mental health as a defense for DWI. This N.J. court shut him down' —'Millions in federal opioid settlement funds remain unspent by these N.J. counties' —'Amid NJ teacher shortage, young people aren't choosing that career. Here's what they say' —Snowflack: 'Baraka: 'I'm always running'' —'What Jack Ciattarelli's latest endorsement says about his offshore wind platform' TRUMP ERA TRUMPED UP — 'Alina Habba isn't enforcing the law. She's Trump's political weapon,' by The Record's Charles Stile: 'The governor, as Politico New Jersey reported last week, retained two top-shelf lawyers … after Murphy was served with a subpoena as part of an investigation into New Jersey's 'sanctuary state' immigration policies. … Leading this spurious inquisition is the acting U.S. attorney-in-limbo for New Jersey, Alina Habba, the eager-to-please former personal lawyer to Trump who has turned the federal plaza in Newark into a circus. She is — or was, at least, when she was secure in the job — probing whether the 'sanctuary stat' policies interfered with Trump's immigration crackdown. But according to sources familiar with matter, the subpoena apparently was more concerned with the gaffe Murphy made before a left-wing group in February. Playing to the crowd, a puffed-up Murphy suggested to the audience that he might be sheltering an illegal immigrant at his Middletown home. He then dared the federal immigration authorities to try to get her. That annoyed Tom Homan, Trump's border czar and chief enforcer of the ICE raids. … It was a form of crowd-pleasing fabulism that probably overtook Murphy in the heat of the moment. (If telling tall tales were a crime, most of the Trump administration would be on a supervised work-release program.)' —'Trump's unpredictable tariffs pressure Jersey Shore pizzerias, shops, manufacturers' LOCAL MARTY SMALL — 'Atlantic City mayor, wife were recorded by daughter amid alleged abuse. What was said,' by The Courier-Post's Jim Walsh: 'An unseen witness listened in during alleged acts of child abuse at the home of Atlantic City's mayor and his wife, according to a recent court decision. It said the couple's 16-year-old daughter maintained a covert online connection with her boyfriend, allowing them to secretly record audio of angry comments of Mayor Marty Small Sr. and Superintendent La'Quetta Small, the city's school superintendent. 'Don't make me hurt you,' a man's voice said in one recording. … 'Like every day, like we, we on pins and needles in our own house,' he said in one recording from December 2023. 'We can't even have a conversation with you without worrying about who's on the other end listening.' He also expressed frustration with his daughter in a conversation that month, saying'"she will make (him) go to jail.' The Smalls' attorneys, who could not be reached for comment, sought to have the recordings barred from evidence at the upcoming trials. … The prosecutor's office also asserted that exceptions allowed juveniles to consent to a wiretap. [Judge Bernard] DeLury ruled for the prosecution in a July 30 decision covering 13 recordings and images.' —'State finance board approves Atlantic City budget but warns of future tax increases' SEARCHING FOR ROBERT FISHER — 'Recall of Park Ridge school board member attending Vanderbilt may be on November ballot,' by The Record's Stephanie Noda: 'A campaign to recall a Park Ridge Board of Education member who is attending school in Tennessee has reached enough signatures to be placed on the November ballot. Sabrina Taranto, Elections Division supervisor at the Bergen County clerk's office, said Tuesday that a recall committee's petition to recall Robert Fisher Jr. received 2,141 signatures, which is more than the minimum requirement of 1,864 signatures … Fisher became one of New Jersey's youngest school board members ever when he was elected to the K-12 district's governing body as an 18-year-old in 2023, months after graduating from Park Ridge High School. He has since moved about 900 miles away to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend Vanderbilt University. Last month, Fisher said he intends to return to Park Ridge after graduation and has no plans to give up his seat. Contrary to complaints that he often misses school events, Fisher said he has spent 'thousands of dollars' making trips back home for meetings. One issue the recall committee raised last month during its campaign was that Fisher has missed '30% of board meetings in 2025'' BROKEN WATER MAIN CONSIDERS RUN FOR MAYOR — 'Water restored to growing numbers in Passaic County as utility installs huge new pipes,' by The Paterson Press' Joe Malinconico: 'Water service has returned to more than two-thirds of Paterson, although pressure levels in many places may be low and residents should still boil what they use, officials said on Aug. 13. Faucets remained dry in homes and businesses on hills or in elevated areas of Paterson, as well as for residents who live on the upper floors in high-rise apartment buildings, officials said. Meanwhile, many people in Haledon and North Haledon are still waiting to get their water turned fully back on and Prospect Park has a boil water advisory in effect, according to Jim Mueller, executive director of the Passaic Valley Water Commission.' —'Neighboring towns help amid lingering water crisis in Paterson, surrounding area' —'Nurse with brain injury after being hit by Paterson DPW truck gets $2.9M in settlement' SACK BACKTRACK — 'Developers threaten legal action after Hackensack City Council rescinds financial deals,' by The Record's Megan Burrow: 'The City Council has rescinded three financial agreements with developers, over the objections of the builders who had signed the agreements with the previous city administration. The … payments in lieu of taxes … were passed by the previous council members in May and June, just before they were voted out of office. Mayor Caseen Gaines, whose slate, Hackensack Unites, swept the May election, defeating longtime Mayor John Labrosse and his ticket, said the builders are still welcome to develop the properties, but without the tax abatement in place … The redevelopment that has transformed the city's downtown in recent years was the chief issue in the municipal election, particularly the tax breaks given to builders to encourage development. Hackensack Unites, the winning ticket, campaigned on a promise to reexamine these tax abatements and whether they benefit city residents. Despite their defeat at the ballot box, Labrosse and his team granted three PILOTs just before leaving office … Attorneys for the developers threatened legal action and told council members the agreements signed by the former council were binding.' NEW BRUNSWICK —'Attorney general investigating fatal shooting of New Brunswick woman by police,' by News 12: 'The New Jersey Attorney General's Office is investigating a fatal shooting by police that occurred Friday morning inside a senior housing complex in New Brunswick. Deborah Terrell, 67, was shot by a police officer in the hallway of Fricano Towers on Neilson Street. Officials say Terrell was Tased and pepper-sprayed before the officer fired his weapon. Police had responded to reports that she was walking around with a knife and threatening other residents.' POLITICIAN UNDONE BY BAD POLEING — 'N.J. councilwoman admits she was driving drunk after smashing into utility pole,' by Matt Gray for 'A New Jersey councilwoman entered a guilty plea Tuesday to driving while intoxicated after her car struck a utility pole in Gloucester County earlier this year. Paulsboro Councilwoman Jennifer A. Turner, 68, was driving on South Delaware Street near Broad Street in the borough on Feb. 9 when her vehicle struck the pole around 11:30 p.m., according to borough police. Turner, who did not require medical attention, was issued citations for driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to breath testing and careless driving, police said. The case was transferred to Monroe Township Municipal Court, where Turner entered a guilty plea to the DWI charge on Tuesday, a court official said.' —'Galloway looking for carrots, sticks to deal with 'Greyhound therapy' homeless issue' —'[Beach Haven] is fighting a potentially dangerous energy project in its backyard' —'McGreevey, Solomon endorse same slate of Jersey City education candidates' —'Olympic-sized event? Haledon set to welcome star wrestler Bruce Baumgartner' EVERYTHING ELSE BUT HE'S NOT A SCHOOL LIBRARIAN — 'Former N.J. pastor charged with sexual assault of children in Colorado,' by NJ Advance Media's Rebecca Heath: 'A Jersey City pastor who resigned in June has been charged with sexually assaulting two children while he was working as a youth pastor at an embattled Colorado church over two decades ago. Robert Anthony 'Tony' Langston, 60, who served as lead pastor at Tapestry Church in Jersey City, is accused of assaulting two members of Landmark Tabernacle in Denver. At least one incident occurred in 1998, and both victims were under the age of 15. … The victim continued to be 'groped and assaulted' by the pastor after following him to New Jersey, the affidavit states. There, Langston founded Tapestry Church with his wife 22 years ago. … [Victim friend Carolyn] Hoyt told NJ Advance Media the victim was 'very scared' to report the abuse because 'the church is very anti-homosexuality.'' — 'Woman survived 12 hours overnight floating in ocean off Sandy Hook after jet ski mishap,' —'NJ Transit conductor had to fight off violent passenger with no police in sight, lawsuit claims' —'Delaware's Ashley Biden, daughter of Joe Biden, to divorce South Jersey husband' —'How could horse racing manager allegedly steal huge sums from Ocean Twp. boss? Details emerge'
Politico
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Sayegh considers Pou challenge
Good Thursday morning! Democrats have been girding for a competitive challenge to freshman U.S. Rep. Nellie Pou after her shockingly narrow win last year. Now, there may be a primary as well. . Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, who's been the subject of speculation in Paterson that he may challenge Pou in the primary next year instead of seeking reelection to a third term as mayor, confirmed to me that he's thinking about it. Or at least something along those lines. 'I do keep my options open,' Sayegh told me on the phone. As Sayegh said this, he was on his way to a golf outing fundraiser for his mayoral campaign. He declined to elaborate further. But Sayegh can't run in both elections. Not realistically, at least. Paterson's municipal election is in May 2026 — a month before the House primary. And Pou recently told New Jersey Globe she plans to run for reelection. So if Sayegh really wants to challenge her and likely go up against the district's Democratic establishment, he'll probably have to decide soon. So many primary candidates. We're living in a post-county line world. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ SHOW ME THE WAY: No public schedule. QUOTE OF THE DAY: [Censored] — This very, very not-safe-for-work exchange between fair-right influencers Emily Wilson and Ian Smith, a former New Jersey congressional candidate (the only parts I can confirm as true are the DUI arrests). HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Elizabeth Meyers, Steve Stern WHAT TRENTON MADE NJSP — 'Murder victim told cops her ex was stalking her. Did police do enough to protect her?' by NJ Advance Media's Kevin Shea: 'The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office says it will investigate murder victim Lauren Semanchik's previous interactions with police regarding her ex-boyfriend, a police officer who authorities believe killed her this past weekend. Lauren Semanchik's family has said Ricardo J. Santos, a New Jersey State Police lieutenant, stalked and harassed Semanchik when their relationship ended in September 2024 and her pleas to police went unheeded. … Prosecutor Renée Robeson's office issued this statement Monday: 'The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office (HCPO) is aware of the community's concerns regarding local law enforcement's prior interactions with Dr. Semanchik and the domestic violence relief she may have requested. A formal investigation into this has been initiated.'' —'Authorities tight-lipped on NJ state trooper suspected of killing two and then himself' —'Trooper who killed ex-girlfriend was protecting First Assistant Attorney General' THE VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CASE — Yesterday, I wrote that I wasn't quite clear on whether Raul Luna-Perez, the undocumented immigrant who allegedly killed a woman and her daughter while driving drunk, had been initially released from custody last week. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billheimer told me in a statement that 'although the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office moved to detain Raul Luna-Perez on July 31, 2025, he was released by the Court on level 3+ monitoring (strict home detention).' 'Luna-Perez was subsequently taken into custody on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer and is presently in federal custody,' Billheimer said. I also asked Judiciary spokesperson MaryAnn Spoto, who told me that Luna-Perez did not make it home before ICE took custody. He was immediately released to the ICE detainer, she said. Spoto said that Raul-Perez's public safety assessment considered him low-risk but that the judge — Wendel Daniels, a retiree on recall — upgraded his home monitoring to the strictest level. WHO TO BLAME — New Jersey voters aren't sure who to blame for rising power prices, according to a new Fairleigh Dickinson University poll, done in cooperation with the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey. The poll found that more than half of Republicans blame Trenton Democrats, while Democrats tend to blame utility companies and the federal government. 'The bottom line is that people in New Jersey don't really know why their electric bills are going up, so they're blaming whoever they don't like,' Dan Cassino, the executive director of the FDU poll, said in a statement. — Ry Rivard 0.03 NJEAS — DNC invests $1.5 million into New Jersey ahead of gov race, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez: The Democratic National Committee is investing $1.5 million into New Jersey as Democrats attempt a feat that has not been accomplished in decades: hold the governorship for three terms in a row. The initial investment, which the committee touted as 'one of the largest and earliest' it has made to the New Jersey Democratic Coordinated Campaign in an off-year cycle, will support Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who is locked in a competitive race with Republican Jack Ciattarelli to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. —'Clean slate for serious juvenile criminal offenses? N.J. court just made it possible' —'NJ GOP sees big increase in voters, but Dems maintain healthy lead' —"Abene still wins Dem Assembly primary in 39th after recount" —'RGA chair raises money for Ciattarelli In N.J' —'NJ bill would require breakdown of how much Trump tariffs are affecting the price of goods' TRUMP ERA MR. SMITH VOTES TO GUT WASHINGTON — 'These GOP lawmakers referred constituents to the CFPB for help. Then they voted to gut the agency,' by ProPublica's Joel Jacobs: 'A New York business frozen out of its checking account. A Georgia chemotherapy patient denied a credit card refund after a product dispute. A New Jersey service member defrauded out of their savings. These consumers — along with hundreds of others — reached out to their congressional representatives for help in the past 12 months. … Records show their representatives — all Republicans — referred them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the watchdog agency formed in the wake of the Great Recession to shield Americans from unfair or abusive business practices. All three consumers got relief, according to agency data. Then the lawmakers — along with nearly every other Republican in Congress — voted to slash the agency's funding by nearly half as part of President Donald Trump's signature legislative package, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a step toward the administration's goal of gutting the agency. … Wittman and Cornyn didn't respond to questions from ProPublica about the disconnect between their offices' use of the CFPB's services and their votes to cut it. Neither did New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith, whose office fielded the defrauded service member's complaint' —'Who's to blame for humanitarian crisis in Gaza? The question is dividing North Jersey Jews' LOCAL FIRST IN PLIGHT — 'Residents fighting against Trenton-Mercer Airport expansion hit another roadblock,' by WHYY's Zoë Read: 'Proponents of the expansion say it will boost the local economy while making the airport a regional hub. But some nearby residents have fought against the project, arguing it will worsen noise pollution. They're also concerned construction activities may harm the environment, as the site has a history of toxic PFAS contamination. But opponents hit a roadblock in June when state environmental regulators denied their request for a hearing on a permit that would clear the way for the beginning stages of construction. 'For years, we've been trying to get information from the airport and New Jersey DEP, and basically, we've had the door slammed in our face at every turn,' said Rich Preston, who lives in nearby Yardley, Pennsylvania.' UNSHORETAINTY — 'Jersey Shore towns given ultimatum: Agree on beach fix, or money for $54M project goes away,' by NJ Advance Media's Eric Conklin: 'A $54 million beach fill project to strengthen five miles of New Jersey beaches may be in jeopardy after federal officials informed several towns that funding may be reallocated. State, local and federal officials began planning the project for Five-Mile Island, which houses the Wildwoods and part of Lower Township, after Superstorm Sandy decimated much of the Jersey Shore in 2012. The project, which would add about 2 million cubic yards of sand, is being funded by about $34 million, and roughly $19 million has been promised by the state. However, the towns' mayors have disagreed on its value to their communities. Wildwood Crest went as far earlier this year to withdraw from the project, citing its impact to tourism, a move that's the subject of ongoing litigation. Now, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is giving local officials an ultimatum - reach an agreement on the project by September's end, or congressionally backed funding will be allocated elsewhere. … North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello told NJ Advance Media that he, leaders from the three other towns and NJDEP met last week over the Army Corps's letter. The long-time mayor fears a resolution won't be reached before the Army Corps' deadline, he said.' MISTRUSTEES — 'Lack of transparency with Newark Public Library financial documents continues,' by TAPIntoNewark's Nicole Zanchelli: 'Major renovations to Newark Public Library's Springfield Branch have been stalled, as the architectural contract has gone back to the drawing board after library board members expressed frustration with the lack of information regarding the bidding process. A resolution to approve a $59,000 contract with OCA Architects, Inc. to renovate the Springfield Branch, located at 50 Hayes St., came before the Newark Library Board of Trustees at its July 23 meeting. However, the agenda, and the committee reports, were not publicly posted prior to the July 23 meeting. It was also made clear that financial documents – including the architectural contract, any Requests for Quotes (RFQs), and the long-awaited Memorandum of Agreement with library employees – were not provided to the library board trustees for review.' R.I.P. — 'John Sweeney, Somerset GOP surrogate candidate, dies at 63,' by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: 'Peapack-Gladstone Council President John L. Sweeney, the Republican nominee for Somerset County Surrogate, died this morning. He was 63. Sweeney first won election to the council in 2001 on a ticket with William Horton; he served from 2002 to 2013, and again since 2019. His council colleagues have elected him council president for the last three years. 'John led the effort to preserve the land as council president twenty years ago,' said Tim Howes, a former Peapack-Gladstone councilman and Somerset County GOP chairman' NO SPORTS BALLS IN THE SACK — 'Hackensack halts $40 million sports complex plan after years of delays,' by News 12's Tony Caputo: 'A long-awaited sports complex project in Hackensack has been officially suspended after nearly a decade of delays and rising costs. Hackensack Council Members have pulled the plug on the planned sports complex slated for Johnson Park just off River Street. At a special council meeting Monday night, city officials voted to scrub the idea after the contractor increased construction costs from an initial $7 million deal in 2016 to $40 million now. Construction was supposed to take 2 years and be finished by 2018.' —'Hackensack City Manager Vincent Caruso resigns, replaced with retired fire chief' R.I.P. — 'Former Cape May County judge, sheriff John F. Callinan dies at 90' —'[Woodbridge] ambulance service is suddenly shutting down at midnight' — 'The (ongoing?) Battle of Montville' EVERYTHING ELSE UNACSEPTABLE — 'SEPTA funding troubles leave NJ commuters worried,' by NJ Spotlight News' Ted Goldberg: 'A funding fight in Harrisburg could determine the future of commuting between Trenton and Philadelphia. SEPTA, the authority that regulates mass transit into and out of Philadelphia, is proposing a 20% fare increase and substantial service cuts as it faces an annual deficit exceeding $200 million. The first wave of cuts, reducing service out of West Trenton and the Trenton Transit Center, would begin on Aug. 24 if Pennsylvania's leadership can't agree on a funding bill. … Further cuts taking effect in January 2026 include the elimination of the Trenton Line, one of SEPTA's busier regional lines. SEPTA spends $65 million a year to lease rail lines from Amtrak, making their elimination a money-saver, officials said.' CALIFORNIA OF THE EAST — 'Why 2 earthquakes jolted New York and New Jersey recently,' by The New York Times' Samantha Latson: 'A 2.7- magnitude earthquake hit northern New Jersey on Tuesday, just days after a 3.0-magnitude quake struck the same area on Saturday, shaking parts of the state and New York City. The recent temblors were classified as 'weak,' according to the U.S. Geological Survey's Mercalli Intensity Scale. Still, they were a shock to New Yorkers and New Jerseyans generally unused to the earth shaking beneath them. But several experts consulted by The New York Times all agreed: The two quakes were not out of ordinary for the area. And a bigger one is not out of the question. Since 1900, there have been 355 earthquakes in the New Jersey area with a magnitude of 1.0 and above, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In those 125 years, only 20 earthquakes have had a magnitude of 3.0 and above that people can actually feel.' NO RISK, BECAUSE IT ONLY EATS BRAINS IN STATES WITH NO GOOD PIZZA OR BAGELS — 'What is the brain-eating amoeba and what's the risk in NJ? What to know now,' by The Record's Juan Carlos Castillo: 'The so called brain-eating amoeba, or Naegleria fowleri, killed a South Carolina boy early in July after swimming in a lake there. … In the past, New Jerseyans wouldn't have to worry as Naegleria fowleri was found in warmer Southern states, given that the amoeba prefers warmer freshwater. However, climate change has raised temperatures across the country, and now cases are being identified in colder northern … There is no confirmed report of Naegleria fowleri in New Jersey waters.' ALL POLITICS IS LOCCO — 'From political candidate to political forecaster: the journey of Patrick Allocco,' by InsiderNJ's Fred Snowflack: 'Patrick Allocco ran for Congress back in 2018 and didn't fare all that well in what was a crowded Republican primary in CD-11. Local Assemblyman Jay Webber won that race and ultimately lost to Democrat Mikie Sherrill. There is a connection here - as there often is in New Jersey politics. Allocco has morphed from congressional candidate to political forecaster via a tech company called Zoose. Here is how he describes it: 'Zoose® is a tech company leveraging advanced AI and human-to-human solutions to solve real-time challenges. While Zoose remains focused on enhancing global communication and support, we also apply our AI-driven insights to critical areas like election analysis - bringing data-backed clarity to complex political landscapes.' What does all that mean regarding the race for governor? 'I am the only forecaster who has Jack up ... right now,' he said when we met Wednesday morning in this Morris County town.' RUDOLPH THE RED TAPE BARN DEER — 'From rescue to courtroom: Lawrence woman faces charges for keeping a deer,' by The Jersey Vindicator's Steve Janoski: 'When an orphaned fawn wandered onto Cammy Lowe's farm in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, in 2019, she quickly took him in, fed him, and devoted herself to keeping him warm and safe — and, in the process, became the only mom the deer ever knew. Now, more than six years later, she's battling over the deer against an unforeseen enemy: the State of New Jersey. Lowe, who owns TLC Country Stables in Lawrenceville, has been fighting over the deer she named Rudolph (or Rudy for short) for the past year. She kept Rudy in a barn on her 30-acre farm on Van Kirk Road until last summer, when a New Jersey Fish and Wildlife conservation officer came knocking on her door with a long list of charges. Lowe removed the deer from her property for fear that he would be euthanized, but state officials still went after her.' —'Seal pup that washed up on Brigantine beach is healing, vets say'
Scoop
05-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Celebrating The Past, Present And Future Of Raahui Pookeka
Press Release – Waikato District Council Crafted by respected Rangatira and Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga art teacher Patrick Takoko, and blessed by Harley Raihe, Pou Tikanga Maaori Partnerships at Waikato District Council, the Pou stands as a powerful symbol which commemorates the past and inspires … Having undergone a long journey from relocation to restoration, a new chapter for Raahui Pookeka | Huntly railway station was marked last week with the blessing and unveiling of a Pou. Pou are carved wooden posts that symbolise guardianship and, here, tell the story of how Raahui Pookeka was given its name. Community members, mana whenua, Waikato District Council staff, Deputy Mayor Carolyn Eyre, and members of the Huntly Railway Committee gathered last Wednesday for the special ceremony at the historic station, which is being restored as a community museum. Crafted by respected Rangatira and Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga art teacher Patrick Takoko, and blessed by Harley Raihe, Pou Tikanga Maaori Partnerships at Waikato District Council, the Pou stands as a powerful symbol which commemorates the past and inspires future generations. 'The tomokanga, or entranceway, of the Pou represents the story of how Raahui Pookeka got its name and speaks of the tuna (eel),' says Harley. 'Historically, tuna were overfished in the local river, and in response, the chief placed a raahui, or ban, on tuna fishing to protect and replenish this important food source.' According to the koorero shared at the event, the chief marked the raahui by creating a Pou and wrapping it in strands of harakeke from his pookeka, a rain cloak made of flax. As time went on and the tuna replenished, the chief drove the Pou into the ground, symbolising the end of the raahui and giving rise to the name Raahui Pookeka. The new Pou unveiled at the station tells this story through its detailed carvings, with the left side of the tomokanga depicting the time when tuna were scarce, while the right side shows the abundance of tuna that returned after the raahui. On each side of the Pou are two stainless steel panels, free from Maaori patterns, symbolising the wider community and the importance of working together. Hori Awa, CEO of Waahi Whaanui Trust and mana whenua representative, supported the blessing by sharing heartfelt memories of his father's long service at the railway station, bringing a personal touch to the event. Deputy Mayor Carolyn Eyre says the unveiling is another meaningful milestone in the transformation of the Raahui Pookeka station into a local museum. 'This Pou tells a powerful story and anchors the station as an integral part of the community. 'It's been a long journey, but we can't wait to see the new museum open later this year, paying further homage to the past, present and future of Raahui Pookeka.' Community members and tourists alike will be able to visit the brand-new museum when it opens later this year to learn about the cultural and historical significance of Raahui Pookeka. To read more about the journey of the railway station and the original 1939 heritage building that has been repurposed as the museum, visit the website below.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Celebrating The Past, Present And Future Of Raahui Pookeka
Having undergone a long journey from relocation to restoration, a new chapter for Raahui Pookeka | Huntly railway station was marked last week with the blessing and unveiling of a Pou. Pou are carved wooden posts that symbolise guardianship and, here, tell the story of how Raahui Pookeka was given its name. Community members, mana whenua, Waikato District Council staff, Deputy Mayor Carolyn Eyre, and members of the Huntly Railway Committee gathered last Wednesday for the special ceremony at the historic station, which is being restored as a community museum. Crafted by respected Rangatira and Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga art teacher Patrick Takoko, and blessed by Harley Raihe, Pou Tikanga Maaori Partnerships at Waikato District Council, the Pou stands as a powerful symbol which commemorates the past and inspires future generations. 'The tomokanga, or entranceway, of the Pou represents the story of how Raahui Pookeka got its name and speaks of the tuna (eel),' says Harley. 'Historically, tuna were overfished in the local river, and in response, the chief placed a raahui, or ban, on tuna fishing to protect and replenish this important food source.' According to the koorero shared at the event, the chief marked the raahui by creating a Pou and wrapping it in strands of harakeke from his pookeka, a rain cloak made of flax. As time went on and the tuna replenished, the chief drove the Pou into the ground, symbolising the end of the raahui and giving rise to the name Raahui Pookeka. The new Pou unveiled at the station tells this story through its detailed carvings, with the left side of the tomokanga depicting the time when tuna were scarce, while the right side shows the abundance of tuna that returned after the raahui. On each side of the Pou are two stainless steel panels, free from Maaori patterns, symbolising the wider community and the importance of working together. Hori Awa, CEO of Waahi Whaanui Trust and mana whenua representative, supported the blessing by sharing heartfelt memories of his father's long service at the railway station, bringing a personal touch to the event. Deputy Mayor Carolyn Eyre says the unveiling is another meaningful milestone in the transformation of the Raahui Pookeka station into a local museum. 'This Pou tells a powerful story and anchors the station as an integral part of the community. 'It's been a long journey, but we can't wait to see the new museum open later this year, paying further homage to the past, present and future of Raahui Pookeka.' Community members and tourists alike will be able to visit the brand-new museum when it opens later this year to learn about the cultural and historical significance of Raahui Pookeka. To read more about the journey of the railway station and the original 1939 heritage building that has been repurposed as the museum, visit the website below.
