FIRST NEWS PLUS for Wednesday, July 23, 2014
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: Partly sunny. Humid. Showers and strong thunderstorms in the afternoon High: 90
TONIGHT: Showers and strong thunderstorms. Low: 68-74
TOMORROW: Cloudy. Chance of showers in the morning. High: 80-85
LISTEN TO ALAN'S FORECAST:
Middle East in Crisis - The United Nations Secretary-General says he can't publicly reveal details of his emergency mission to the Middle East, but it's his "hope and belief" that it'll lead to an end to the fighting between Hamas and Israel. Meanwhile, U.S.aviation officials will decide around midday if they will resume flights to Israel. The Israeli government says U.S. airlines are overreaching by cancelling flights. The cancellations came after a rocket fired from Gaza landed near the airport in Tel Aviv.
Slashing Obama's Request - Senate Democrats and House Republicans are moving separately to slash President Obama's $3.7 billion emergency spending request for the southern border. A Senate bill focuses on judges and detention facilities in south Texas, where tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors have been arriving. The House Republicans' bill is focused heavily on enforcement.
Bashing Obama - Governor Christie, who's been touring the country in recent weeks, was back in New Jersey yesterday. He’s still not an official candidate for president, but he sure sounded like he was running for something as he bashed President Obama over the flood of illegal immigrants crossing the Mexican border into the U.S.
- Christie slams Obama on immigration / NJ1015.com
"No Pain, No Gain" Tour - Christie has kicked off his "No Pain, No Gain" mini-town hall meeting tour that is focused on the need to roll back public pension and health benefit costs, something the governor says is essential to avoid a fiscal catastrophe.
Fresh Fruit Recall - A fresh fruit recall continues nationwide and in New Jersey. Peaches, plums, and nectarines sold at Wegman's, Sam's, BJ's Wholesale Club, Trader Joe's, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, Costco, and other retailers are possibly involved. The fruit could be contaminated with lysteria. Photos of the packaged fruit are on our website to help you determine if you are affected.
- California firm issues nationwide fruit recall / NJ1015.com (Associated Press)
- FDA Recall Notice
No Direct Evidence - Senior U.S. intelligence officials say Russia is responsible for "creating the conditions" that led to the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight 17, but they're also offering no evidence of direct Russian government involvement. Intelligence officials say the 298 people on board were killed last week when a surface-to-air missile was likely fired by Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.
- US officials: Can’t link Russia directly to shootdown / NJ1015.com (AP)
- U.S. discloses intelligence on downing of Malaysian jet / Washington Post
Snake in the Lake a Fake? - Rumors of the snake in the lake have not kept folks away from Lake Hopatcong. Rumors of an anaconda the length of a school bus persist, and the state has set traps.but many think it's just a new legend forming. A New Jersey version of the Loch Ness Monster.
- Snake saga continues as traps fail to catch serpent / New Jersey Herald
Return of Rachel - Remember Rachel Canning? She's the New Jersey teen whose parents didn't like her boyfriend. so she moved out, then sued them for child support. Well, maybe her parents were right. The boyfriend allegedly assaulted Rachel on the street and she has filed a restraining order against him. Both of them are due in court this morning.
Helping Casino Workers - In Atlantic County, efforts are underway to assist thousands of casino workers facing unemployment.
Delayed Closing? - Can the state force Atlantic City casinos to remain open? That's the big question, as state and local lawmakers ask gaming regulators to make Showboat and Trump Plaza to remain open for another four months to avoid what they call the nightmare of a string of vacant casinos on the boardwalk.
- Delay sought in Atlantic City casino closings / NJ1015.com
- Local politicians ask Casino Control Commission to delay casino closures / Press of Atlantic City
"Investigations Take Time" - US Attorney Paul Fishman likes to say he never talks about ongoing investigations but he sure keeps talking about his Bridgegate probe. In the past, he would simply offer a "no comment," but seems to feel the need to say more about this investigation. Last week, Fishman said media reports were mostly wrong....and Tuesday he said his investigation will take more time.
Teacher Arrested - A Cape May County high school English teacher is jailed this morning for sexually abusing a student. 34-year old Joseph Towns had worked at Middle Township High. He is facing multiple charges including possession of child pornography.
- Middle Township High School Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault /Cape May Herald
Return of the Death Penalty - Last week, we told you about a bill to bring back the death penalty for cop killers and today Senate President Steve Sweeney (D) is responding. He doesn't think now is the time for that discussion, but he's not completely dismissing the idea either.
- Sweeney sounds off on reinstating death penalty / NJ1015.com
SCORES:
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