Latest news with #SupremacyClause
New York Times
3 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Federal Judge Dismisses Case Against Michigan Trooper Charged in Man's Death
A federal judge dismissed murder and manslaughter charges on Wednesday against a Michigan state trooper who struck and killed a fleeing man with an S.U.V. last year in suburban Grand Rapids. The judge ruled that the trooper, Brian Keely, who was working as part of a federal Marshals Service task force, acted reasonably when his vehicle struck the fleeing man, Samuel Sterling. The judge said Mr. Keely was acting as a federal law enforcement officer and was entitled to immunity under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which shields federal agents from state prosecution in many instances. Michigan's attorney general, Dana Nessel, whose office had filed the charges in state court and fought the transfer of the case to federal court, said that Wednesday's outcome was 'nothing short of a miscarriage of justice.' Her office said it was considering appeal options. 'I am disappointed that the case's transfer to federal court ultimately resulted in its dismissal and am deeply concerned with the precedent it sets — that individuals deemed federal officers by federal authorities can commit lethal crimes against Michigan residents with impunity,' Ms. Nessel, a Democrat, said in a statement. Mr. Keely retired from the Michigan State Police after the charges were filed. His lawyers, who had pushed to have the case moved to federal court, lauded the judge's ruling. They said the decision 'not only vindicates our client but also sends a strong message in support of those who serve with honor and integrity.' 'We are grateful that the court recognized this case for what it truly was — a law enforcement officer doing his job in a high-risk encounter with a known fugitive,' the lawyers, Marc E. Curtis and Lance LoRusso, said in a statement posted on social media. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Charges dropped for ex-MSP sergeant who fatally struck a man with unmarked SUV
A federal judge dismissed charges against a former Michigan State Police sergeant who struck a man with an unmarked patrol car as the man attempted to flee officers, ruling May 28 the officer has immunity from state prosecution under a federal protection clause. In May 2024, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office charged former MSP Detective Sgt. Brian Keely with one charge of second-degree murder and an alternate charge of involuntary manslaughter. Video released last year by the MSP showed Keely, driving an unmarked patrol vehicle, striking 25-year-old Samuel Sterling with the car as Sterling attempted to run away from law enforcement officers in Kentwood, a suburb of Grand Rapids, in April 2024. Nessel had issued the charges in Kent County district court but Keely's attorneys had argued the case should be moved to federal court because the former sergeant was part of a U.S. Marshal's Service task force at the time he struck Sterling. In August, the case was moved to U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, where Judge Hala Jarbou dismissed the case May 28. Sterling was putting air in a vehicle's tires at a gas station when officers approached him April 17, 2024. He tried to run away. Law enforcement pursued Sterling on foot and in vehicles. Sterling was running through the parking lot of a fast food restaurant when he was struck by an unmarked SUV. After being struck, Sterling told officers his whole body was in pain and struggled to move as officers handcuffed and searched him while he was on the ground, video footage shows. Sterling was transported to a local hospital and died hours later. Nessel, when announcing the charges, said Keely had created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm when he struck Sterling. But Jarbou stated prosecutors failed to show Keely acted with malicious intent. Jarbou cited the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, writing since the task force Keely was a part of was focused on apprehending criminal suspects, he was carrying out his duties at the time he struck Sterling. Court documents show Sterling had outstanding felony warrants when he fled from officers who approached him. The Supremacy Clause allows federal law to prevail over conflicting state law. Jarbou wrote "the State has not presented sufficient evidence to create a genuine dispute about whether Keely acted pursuant to federal law and did no more than what was necessary and proper for him to do in attempting to apprehend Sterling. Accordingly, Keely is entitled to immunity under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution." Marc Curtis, a Norton Shores attorney who represented Keely, said in a statement: 'We are grateful that the Court recognized this case for what it truly was — a law enforcement officer doing his job in a high-risk encounter with a known fugitive." Nessel said May 28 her office stands by its arguments that Keely was not acting reasonably when he struck Sterling. Prosecutors had argued that Keely was not entitled to federal protections because he was employed by MSP and was just a member of a Marshal's Service task force. 'I am disappointed that the case's transfer to federal court ultimately resulted in its dismissal and am deeply concerned with the precedent it sets — that individuals deemed federal officers by federal authorities can commit lethal crimes against Michigan residents with impunity," Nessel said in a statement. Ven Johnson, a Detroit attorney representing Sterling's estate in a separate, civil lawsuit against Keely, said in a statement the ruling "sends a troubling message that a police officer can run over an unarmed man and avoid facing a criminal jury." Jarbou is also the presiding judge in the civil lawsuit. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Charges dropped for ex-MSP sergeant who fatally struck man with SUV
New York Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Trump claims win as Florida court rejects Pulitzer Board bid to pause defamation case
President Donald Trump notched a significant legal victory this week in his ongoing effort to strip the New York Times and the Washington Post of their Pulitzer Prizes for reporting on alleged ties between his 2016 campaign and Russia — coverage he claims was false and defamatory. A Florida appellate court on Wednesday rejected the Pulitzer Prize Board's attempt to pause the defamation lawsuit, clearing the way for the case to proceed. The board had argued that allowing the litigation to move forward while Trump is serving in office would raise constitutional concerns, but the court dismissed that claim, saying only the president himself could assert such privileges. Advertisement 4 President Trump scored a legal victory on Wednesday in his ongoing defamation suit against the Pulitzer Board. ASSOCIATED PRESS Trump on Thursday hailed the development as a turning point in his fight against what he called 'fake, malicious stories' about alleged ties between his 2016 campaign and Russia. 'BREAKING! In a major WIN in our powerful lawsuit against the Pulitzer Prize Board regarding the illegal and defamatory 'Award' of their once highly respected 'Prize,' to fake, malicious stories on the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, by the Failing New York Times and the Washington Compost, the Florida Appellate Court viciously rejected the Defendants' corrupt attempt to halt the case,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'They'll have to give back their 'Award.' They were awarded for false reporting, and we can't let that happen in the United States of America.' Advertisement The Fourth District Court of Appeal in Florida issued a seven-page ruling Wednesday that denied the board's motion to stay proceedings. The board had argued that allowing the case to proceed while Trump serves in office could raise constitutional issues, including concerns under the Supremacy Clause and the Take Care Clause of the Constitution. The court flatly rejected that rationale, ruling that such privileges are not transferable to Trump's legal opponents. Advertisement 4 Trump took to Truth Social to hail the court on Thursday morning. AP 'Such privileges are afforded to the President alone, not to his litigation adversaries,' the court wrote. 'Immunities and privileges, by their very nature, inure solely to the benefit of the individual for whom they are intended.' 'Allowing this case to proceed facilitates President Trump's use of state courts as both a sword and a shield — allowing him to seek retribution against anyone he chooses in state court while simultaneously claiming immunity for himself whenever convenient,' the board told The Post in a statement. 'The Pulitzer Board is evaluating next steps and will continue our defense of journalism and First Amendment rights.' Advertisement Trump sued the Pulitzer board in December 2022, accusing it of defaming him when it defended its 2018 decision to award The New York Times and The Washington Post the Pulitzer Prize. 4 Former FBI Director Robert Mueller led an investigation into claims that the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government in 2016. AP The board praised the outlets for their coverage of alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and potential connections to the Trump campaign — reporting that Trump has long insisted was inaccurate and politically motivated. The coverage fueled years of speculation and investigations, culminating in special counsel Robert Mueller's probe, which found no conclusive evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. Despite that, the Pulitzer Board stood by its decision as recently as 2022, calling the reporting 'deeply sourced' and 'relentlessly reported.' A Florida trial court previously ruled that the board's public statement defending the award could qualify as an 'actionable mixed opinion,' clearing the way for Trump's defamation claims to move forward. In its latest appeal, the board cited Trump's own use of presidential immunity in unrelated defamation cases — such as the lawsuit brought by former 'Apprentice' contestant Summer Zervos — to argue that it should likewise be entitled to a stay. But the appellate judges said the comparison was flawed, noting that Trump is the plaintiff in this case, not the defendant. Advertisement 'These cases are not substantially similar,' the court wrote. 'When an officeholder chooses to initiate litigation, courts must assume the officeholder already has weighed the burdens on their official duties.' The judges also dismissed the notion that the court's involvement would interfere with Trump's presidency, pointing out that he voluntarily filed the lawsuit and has not invoked any personal immunity to avoid participating. 4 Mueller found insufficient evidence to conclude that the Trump campaign colluded with the Russians in the run-up to the 2016 election. Russian President Vladimir Putin is pictured. MIKHAIL METZEL/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock 'Whether the pursuit of this litigation is in his best interests, or consistent with the responsibilities of his office, is exclusively within Respondent's purview,' the ruling concluded. Advertisement The decision allows Trump's lawsuit to proceed to discovery, potentially forcing the Pulitzer Board and affiliated media organizations to turn over internal communications related to the controversial award. Trump's legal team has said it plans to seek depositions and documents that could reveal whether the board ignored doubts about the accuracy of the reporting it honored. As the case moves forward, Trump has framed the legal battle as part of his broader campaign against the mainstream media, vowing to hold 'Fake News' outlets accountable. 'We are holding the Fake News Media responsible for their LIES to the American People,' he wrote on Truth Social. 'So we can, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Judge tosses case against former MSP sgt in death of Samuel Sterling
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Citing immunity under the Supremacy Clause, a federal judge has tossed the case of a former Michigan State Police sergeant who hit a man with a cruiser. Brian Keely, charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of Samuel Sterling last year, will not face federal charges, court documents say. Looking to arrest , 25, of Grand Rapids, on a number of warrants, authorities tracked him to a Kentwood gas station in . Police say he ran away when they moved in to get him. Officers chased him on foot to a nearby Burger King while Keely pursued in an unmarked cruiser. Video released by MSP shows Sterling being hit by Keely's SUV near the restaurant's entrance. Sterling was hospitalized and died hours later. Family: Man hit by unmarked cruiser was father, rapper In August, U.S. District Court Judge Hala Jarbou decided that because Keely was operating as part of a U.S. Marshals task force, the case fell under federal jurisdiction. She moved it out of the state courts and . Jarbou on Wednesday granted a motion from Keely's attorneys to dismiss the charges against him, saying the state does not have enough evidence to dispute Keely's actions. Ex-MSP sgt details moments leading to deadly crash Keely had argued that he was immune under the Supremacy Clause because he was acting as a federal officer when attempting to arrest Sterling, and therefore cannot be face criminal prosecution under state law. To be granted immunity, it needs to be proven that Keely was acting in an authorized way under U.S. law and that he did not do more than was necessary and proper to carry it out. In the dismissal motion, the judge said that the state had originally argued Keely had criminal intent, acted with 'malice' and seemed to argue he 'intended to kill or harm Sterling.' The state did not provide evidence that Keely 'turned his wheel sharply toward Sterling or intentionally killed him,' the court documents say. While the state later disclaimed that hurting or killing Sterling was intentional, it still argued he could be found guilty of second-degree murder or involuntary manslaughter if he acted 'in disregard of life-endangering consequences.' 'The Court is not persuaded by the State's argument,' the court documents say. It noted that there were several warrants out for Sterling's arrest, including a domestic violence charge. It also notes Sterling led multiple officers on a long chase in a populated area as he tried to evade arrest. Former MSP sergeant asks for stay in civil case It was reasonable for Keely to assume Sterling was armed, the court documents say, and therefore a threat to the public and officers. Citing Keely's expert witness, the documents say the safety threat would have increased if he was able to get into the Burger King, where he could have taken a hostage or ambushed officers. 'Considering these factors, even if Keely's actions were risky, he made a reasonable decision to try to block or deter Sterling from entering the restaurant in order to prevent more serious risks to the public and to the officers created by Sterling's flight,' the documents say. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a statement said she stands by the arguments her team made in court. 'I am disappointed that the case's transfer to federal court ultimately resulted in its dismissal and am deeply concerned with the precedent it sets—that individuals deemed federal officers by federal authorities can commit lethal crimes against Michigan residents with impunity,' she said in a statement. 'Such a precedent is dangerous and fundamentally undermines the principles of justice and accountability our legal system is meant to uphold.' She said it is regrettable the case was never presented to a jury, adding that 'no one should be above the law.' Nessel added that she is grateful for the work of her team. Vigil marks one year since Samuel Sterling's death 'My heart breaks for the loved ones left behind by Mr. Sterling and the community who mourns him,' she said. 'This outcome is nothing short of a miscarriage of justice and my Department is considering our next steps.' Keely's attorneys in a release said the ruling 'brings long-overdue relief to an officer who was doing his job to protect the public from a dangerous fugitive who escalated the situation by choosing to flee and place both officers and the community at risk.' 'We are grateful that the Court recognized this case for what it truly was — a law enforcement officer doing his job in a high-risk encounter with a known fugitive,' Keely attorneys Marc E. Curtis and Lance LoRusso said in a statement. 'This ruling not only vindicates our client but also sends a strong message in support of those who serve with honor and integrity.' Nessel said she's exploring options to appeal. In civil court, attorneys representing the family of Samuel Sterling have filed an excessive force lawsuit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Politico
6 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
The Justice Department's Memorial Day weekend news dump
Good Tuesday morning! The Trump administration is not trying to hide its fight against sanctuary cities. So I don't know why it chose the Friday afternoon before Memorial Day to break news about it, first with an exclusive report by the friendly New York Post. There's few bigger news dump days than that one. The lawsuit targets Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken and Paterson, alleging their policies that restrict using local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law violate the Constitution's Supremacy Clause. But even though The State of New Jersey has had a similar policy in place since the first Trump administration in the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, it's not a defendant. The complaint was written by Yaakov Roth, who before joining Trump's Justice Department represented Sen. Bob Menendez and George Norcross. These fights belong in court. Threatening criminal charges against New Jersey's governor and attorney general over those policies is another thing altogether. So far, sanctuary cities have made out well in federal court. I don't think anyone claims that the states are allowed to decide immigration law. A key defense is the 'anti-commandeering' doctrine that bars the federal government from, as late Justice Antonin Scalia put it, 'conscripting the States' officers directly.' FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY — At the 9/11 Memorial and Museum for an announcement at 2:30 p.m. QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'Kids were out of control … It's like the Jersey Shore show.'' — Seaside Heights bartender Sarah Frailey, on Memorial Day 'mayhem' HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Joe Pennacchio, Richard McGrath, Regina Appolon, Wayne Blanchard WHAT TRENTON MADE JOHN CURRIENG FAVOR — She says she wants to shake up New Jersey as governor — but running a traditional machine campaign, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: Rep. Mikie Sherrill often promises to change the status quo in Trenton as she seeks to be the next New Jersey governor. Yet the front-runner for the Democratic nomination is running the most traditional machine campaign possible, all while presenting a continuation of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy's agenda. Sherrill vaulted to prominence in 2018 on her resume as a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor who opposed Donald Trump's agenda in Washington. Now she's running the same playbook: highlight her background, curry favor with party bosses and hope backlash to the president will elevate her to one of the country's most powerful governorships. New Jersey's election is both a litmus test for Trump after his big gains last year and an opportunity to chart a new course after two terms of Murphy. But Sherrill is running just the type of campaign that made Murphy governor while embracing the Democratic establishment, opponents and close observers of Garden State politics say. BLET'S GO — 'This NJ Transit union went on strike. Here's when it will vote on its new contract,' by NJ Advance Media's Larry Higgs: 'June will see two critical elections on the same day, to pick Democratic and Republican candidates for governor, and for locomotive engineers to ratify a tentative contract that ended a strike. Ballots were emailed this week to the 450 members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen that are due back by June 10, the same day as the state's primary election. Unlike the primary, results of the BLE&T ratification vote will be announced after 3 p.m., said Jamie Horwitz, a union spokesperson.' HOOKED ON PHONES? TRY HOOKED ON PHONICS — 'NJ pushes phonics, other tweaks to boost K-3 reading skills,' by The Record's Mary Ann Koruth: 'New Jersey's youngest readers and their teachers should expect new tools and new rules in their classrooms this fall, as schools implement two laws designed to reboot reading instruction from kindergarten through the third grade. The state will establish a free professional development program for elementary teachers, library specialists and other faculty members on 'evidence-based foundational literacy instruction' — meaning a reliance on teaching methods that have been proven by scientific studies, rather than trends and personal preferences.' — 'How lawmakers are targeting energy rate increases' — 'NJ lawmakers pursue raft of affordability measures' — 'Jack Ciattarelli: We must fix New Jersey. Here's my plan' — 'Lawmakers mull measure to ban octopus farming in New Jersey' TRUMP ERA LAHABACA — 'New to Congress, she's in the cross hairs of Trump's Justice Department,' by The New York Times' Tracey Tully: "[Rep. LaMonica] McIver's unflinching stance in the face of charges that carry a potential penalty of 16 years in prison surprised no one who knows her well in Newark, New Jersey's largest city, where she was raised in a public housing high-rise and rose to become president of the city council. The oldest of four children, with a mother who struggled with addiction, Ms. McIver, 38, said she had no choice but to grow up fast and strong. 'I have had to be a leader for a very long time,' she said in an interview. Her mother, now sober for 15 years, has worked for her at City Hall and is among her closest aides. It was Ras Baraka — now the city's mayor and a Democratic candidate for New Jersey governor — who helped to steer Ms. McIver away from trouble and toward politics, the congresswoman said. Mr. Baraka began his career as a teacher and principal, and Ms. McIver was a student in his fifth-grade class … Congressional historians, when asked to identify any similar charges against a House member, had to reach back centuries, to 1799, when Representative Matthew Lyon of Vermont was imprisoned for violating the recently passed Sedition Act. Mr. Lyon had criticized President John Adams in print and in front of crowds and accused him of having 'an unbounded thirst for ridiculous pomp.'' LACK OF ACCCTION — Blue states form united front after EV mandate reversal, despite some cold feet, by POLITICO's Camille Von Kaenel: A group of blue states that signed on to California's self-imposed electric vehicle mandate are banding together in the wake of Congress' vote to strip California of the ability to set its own vehicle emissions standards. The governors of Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington announced they were joining California to form an 'Affordable Clean Cars Coalition' on Friday. In the announcement, the governors blamed the federal government for 'creating needless chaos,' but notably avoided any policy commitments, belying the cold feet several of the states developed this spring over the mandate. MEDICUTS — 'How the GOP bill would hit Medicaid users in New Jersey,' by NJ Spotlight News' Lilo H. Stainton: 'As now written, state officials said the bill would reduce federal funding for New Jersey's Medicaid program by $3.6 billion — nearly one-quarter of the $14.9 billion the state expected to get from Washington, D.C. — for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Gov. Phil Murphy's $58.3 billion proposed budget, which state lawmakers must pass before the end of June, allocates a total of $24.3 billion to Medicaid programs, which includes that $14.9 billion.' — 'Kean: I led the fight to restore N.J.'s property tax deduction' — 'The feds want to demolish this Jersey Shore landmark. Locals are trying to save it' — 'Rep. Menendez, Solomon, & O'Dea tee off on Trump over sanctuary cities lawsuit' LOCAL ONE MUST APPRECIATE THE TASTEFUL MIXTURE OF HANDWRITING AND TYPING — 'Washington Township councilman accused of sending harassing letters to school board members,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Melanie Burney: 'A Washington Township councilman has been accused of sending unsigned harassing letters to two school board members using the board president's return address, authorities said Friday. Board members Patricia Blome and Connie Baker and board president Julie Kozempel filed civilian criminal complaints against council member Richard Bennett alleging harassment, impersonation, falsification, and hindering apprehension … The allegations come amid turmoil for the Washington Township School District, with the school board divided over controversy surrounding the budget for next school year and the suspension of Superintendent Eric Hibbs … Both letters, obtained by The Inquirer, use similar insults, calling the recipients evil, stupid, and dishonest, and accusing them of 'playing games with superintendent job.' The letters also call for Blome and Baker to step down from the board. 'You are a disgrace!' was handwritten at the bottom, followed by a typed message that 'God is watching your action!!!' The letters were unsigned.' MINOR THREAT — Jersey Shore towns report fewer issues with rowdy teens this Memorial Day weekend, by The Press of Atlantic City's Bill Barlow: 'Year after year, there have been disruptive crowds over Memorial Day weekend, but officials in Jersey Shore communities report calm and quiet this year, at least relatively. '(Wildwood Police Chief Joe Murphy) and I are cautiously optimistic about the current state of affairs,' said Wildwood Commissioner Steve Mikulski, whose responsibilities include public safety, on Sunday morning … Wildwood police have emphasized a 10 p.m. curfew for juveniles, and reported heading off more than one attempt to organize underage events through social media. At 10, Mikulski said police sweep the Boardwalk and beach to clear out any minors.' — More NJ teen TikTok chaos ruins Woodbridge carnival and mall' JUST SAYING NO — 'Clifton says no to cannabis businesses, in spite of budget woes,' by The Record's Matt Fagan: 'For the third time, the city has opposed allowing any type of cannabis business within its borders. Faced with a budget gap, three of the city's seven council members have pressed for a partial lift of the ban on the regulated cannabis businesses, such as allowing growing or manufacturing cannabis products or warehousing them. The three council members argued that the city has a revenue problem, and rather than relying only on property tax increases or cutting back expenses, the city should permit portions of the cannabis industry that do not involve retail sales … [Councilmember Bill] Gibson said he doesn't like the whole industry. He said he does not want that kind of business, whether it's manufacturing or cultivating. 'Somewhere along the line, it is going to filter down to where I don't think it should be,' Gibson said.' FASTER? THEY JUST CONNAUGHT DO IT — 'Groundwater polluted, Lambertville residents at risk, but help from State of New Jersey may be years away,' by The Jersey Vindicator's Jeff Pillets: 'Residents here will have to wait until next year — or longer — before the state can trace the source of groundwater contamination that's fouled scores of wells in the city and neighboring West Amwell Township. State environmental officials say it could take up to two years to investigate a pair of sites that are suspected sources of so-called forever chemicals, or PFAS, that have turned up in wells at levels more than 10 times the limit set under federal and state law. Both of the sites, an abandoned landfill and a former factory that used Teflon to make machine parts, are located in the Connaught Hill neighborhood … 'If the responsible party does not implement the remediation, the DEP may conduct the remediation using public funds,' according to a nine-page 'update' the agency released earlier this week to The Jersey Vindicator. The DEP release confirms what residents have long suspected, that the old municipal landfill on Connaught Hill was never properly closed, capped, or remediated in any way. There are no state records documenting what kind of waste was dumped at the property or how long it was in use. A public records request by The Jersey Vindicator for such records yielded nothing.' A TREE GROWS IN LAKEWOOD — 'Lakewood school closing could mean the end of 200-year landmark,' by the Asbury Park Press' Joe Strupp: 'Ella G. Clarke became a Lakewood hero 80 years ago when she helped students escape a fire that destroyed a school but spared their lives due to her pioneering fire drills and evacuation practices. Now that a school bearing her name is to be closed and sold a movement is on to save one of its most treasured assets. A 200-year-old tree. The tall red oak that sits squarely in front of the elementary school on quiet Manetta Avenue, bounded by a wooden fence and decorative bushes, first gained attention in 2018 when students and staff launched a campaign to give it historic status.' — 'Newark middle schoolers face overcrowded classrooms and space shortages, state report says' — '[Fairview] firefighter stole thousands from his own department, authorities say' — '[Sussex County Community College] boss told 68-year-old custodian he was 'too old' before firing him, lawsuit says' — 'Rude [Harrison Township] cop violently arrested me after I tried to record him, N.J. woman says in lawsuit' EVERYTHING ELSE JUDGED JUDY — Nurse union at center of 2023 strike quietly commandeered by parent union, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: In late 2023, the union representing nurses at RWJBarnabas Health's flagship hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, engaged in a high-profile strike which drew attention from Trenton to Washington. The union's president, Judy Danella, was at the center of it all. She spoke at a hearing hosted by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and the strike sparked discussions at the Statehouse around long-stagnated legislation to create nurse-to-patient ratios. But now Danella is inexplicably out of her union leadership post after the parent union quietly took control of United Steelworkers Local 4-200 last August, according to federal records. Danella and then-Vice President Renee Bacany have since been replaced, despite winning three-year terms in April 2024. SUMMER OF 'EH'LL — 'The Canadians no longer visit down the shore — but why'd they come here in the first place?' by New Jersey Monitor's Jen A. Miller: 'If this winter's dip in Canadian snowbirds flying to Florida (and selling their Florida properties) is any indication, the Jersey Shore, particularly Cape May County, could see a similar drop. But in all the 'will they or won't they' coverage I've seen about the issue this year, I noticed one thing left out: why Canadians — in particular French Canadians — came here in the first place. Like the drive from Quebec to Wildwood, it's a long and sometimes winding journey … In the 1950s and 1960s, South Jersey Shore towns were in trouble. Where they were once the only place people could go to escape stifling summer heat, the advent of air conditioning and swimming pools meant that relief could be found close to home instead — no long train or car ride required. Atlantic City turned to gambling. Cape May County? French Canadians.' BEAR MARKET — 'Bear spotted near N.J. mall, police say,' by NJ Advance Media's Daysi Calavia-Robertson: 'A black bear was spotted wandering near Mercer Mall in Lawrence on Monday morning, township police said. Lawrence police received a call early Monday about a bear sighting in the area of Quakerbridge Road in the Mercer County town, according to a police dispatcher.' — 'Go Birds: 24 hours inside the World Series of Birding'
