A community mourns, Labor Day weekend begins: First News with Podcast
New Jersey's First News, hosted by Eric Scott, written and produced by Matthew White and Patrick Lavery. Full podcast available below. Digital support, with additional links, by Dan Alexander.
ALAN KASPER'S FORECAST:
TODAY: Sunny. High:75-80
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy.Low: 57-63
TOMORROW: Partly sunny. Humid. High: 77-82
LISTEN TO ALAN'S FORECAST:
A Community in Mourning - The death of 23-year-old Aaron Sofer shocks the tight knit Lakewood community. His funeral got underway about 2:30 a.m. our time this morning. Unconfirmed reports out of Israel say Sofer's cause of death was dehydration.
- Lakewood mourns Aaron Sofer’s death / NJ1015.com
- Confirmed: Body of Aaron Sofer found in Jerusalem Forest / Jerusalem Post
Creating a Strategy - President Obama says the U.S. needs clear plans if it undertakes any sort of military action in Syria and those plans don't exist yet. Obama's comments came before he met yesterday with National Security advisers. The U.S. is already striking militant targets in Iraq in an attempt to blunt ISIS.
- Obama cautions against using force to solve crises / NJ1015.com (Associated Press)
Rough Surf Remains - As droves of tourists get set to hit the Jersey Shore beaches this Labor Day weekend, there is again the risk today of rip currents and churned up surf from Cristobal. Alan Kasper says conditions may improve from yesterday, but still dangerous.
Making the Rules - All New Jersey school districts must have policies in place by today on email, texting and social media communications between students and staff. The senator who sponsored the bill that became law says clear guidelines protect everyone.
Hitting the Road - While Governor Christie is set for his annual Labor Day tour of the boardwalks today, he heads to Mexico next week but don't expect to see him visiting the border or trying to speak Spanish.
- Christie, NJ officials head to Mexico / NJ1015.com
- Speaking Spanish isn't a pre-requisite for the presidency, Christie says / Politicker NJ
The End of Red Light Cameras? - With the clock ticking on the much-maligned red light camera program, Governor Christie weighed in on Thursday. Christie says he's leaning against renewing the program, which expires in mid-December. The governor says he's made no final decisions and will hear from both sides, but has concerns about the 5-year pilot program. Lawmakers would have to send a bill to his desk to renew it
Expensive Move - A pretty sweet deal in Jersey City. First Data will receive $6 million in tax credits over 20 years to move its rented office space up just one floor. The state economic development authority says the expansion results in 74 new jobs.
- NJ gives firm $6M tax credit to move one floor / NJ1015.com (AP)
Equipment on Hold - Following the recent developments in Ferguson Missouri, a north Jersey sheriff has held off deploying vehicles acquired through the federal military surplus program. Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino says he's taking the action while the U.S. and state Attorney Generals review the program in the wake of Ferguson.
Closing Their Doors - With Showboat and Revel shutting down this holiday weekend, preparations are being made for the mass unemployment filing of more than 5,000 casino workers. Over 100 work stations will be set up at the AC Convention Center to help process claims with various agencies. The main casino workers union will run the resource center 9-5 each day from September 3rd thru the 10th.
- Atlantic City Convention Center to host resource center for laid-off casino workers / Press of Atlantic CIty
Who Still Uses Cash? - Do you still use cash? Chances are, the older you are, the more likely you are to answer 'yes' to that question.
- Cash isn’t always king with millennials / NJ1015.com
Ebola Accelerates - The World Health Organization says the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is accelerating and could grow six times larger to infect as many as 20,000 people. The U.N. Health Agency says it has a plan to attack the disease. It also says scientists are fast-tracking efforts to find a treatment or vaccine.
- WHO explains how a suspected Ebola outbreak spread in Congo / Los Angeles Times
Tightening Up a Policy - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has conceded that he fumbled when he handed out just a two-game suspension for Ravens running back Ray Rice, who allegedly struck the woman who is now his wife. Goodell has announced tougher penalties for players accused of domestic violence. First offenses will carry a penalty of at least six weeks. Second offences will be penalized by at least a one year suspension. The NFL Players Association says those accused are entitled to due process.
Over Exposure - A disturbing case out of Wildwood Crest. A Pennsylvania man is accused of exposing himself to two juveniles this week on the beach. 49 year old James Fadigan was arrested after the kids mother reported the incident to lifeguards. He's charged with lewdness and child endangerment
Protecting Your Phone - Smart phone theft is becoming a serious problem. New Jersey is looking become the third state in the nation to require all new cell phones sold in the state to come equipped with a "kill switch."
- NJ Lawmakers want ‘kill switches’ on smartphones / NJ1015.com
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