FIRST NEWS PLUS for Wednesday June 18, 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.

The Heat Is On - It's another good day for air conditioning. Hot humid weather continues over New Jersey today. And there will not be a break until close to the weekend. This week's run of hot weather is unusual for June, according to state climatologist Dave Robinson.

• Hot NJ Weather: Is This a Heat Wave? / NJ1015.com
• Most Jerseyans Love the Hot Weather / NJ1015.com

Budget Work Continues - Lawmakers aren't waiting to see if a judge will allow Governor Christie to slash pension payments by $2.5 billion dollars through the end of the next fiscal year. The top dog in the Assembly says the legislature is plowing ahead working to craft a budget before the midnight June 30th deadline.

• Lawmaker: NJ Budget a ‘Work in Progress’/ NJ1015.com

Trouble for "The Situation" - Jersey Shore" star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino has been arrested after a fight at a Middletown Township tanning salon. Officers responded to the Boca tanning salon Tuesday afternoon on a report of a fight in progress. Sorrentino was charged with simple assault. He posted $500 bail and was released

• Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino arrested in Middletown /Asbury Park Press

In Custody - A suspect described as a "key leader" in the 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya that killed the United States ambassador and three other Americans is in U.S. custody. Special forces seized Ahmed Abu Khattala in Libya and he will face trial in the U.S.

• Benghazi Suspect in US Custody for 2012 Attack / NJ1015.com

NJ's Teen Drivers - When it comes to teen drivers, New Jersey ranks 12th safest in the nation according to a new report by wallethub.com

• NJ 12th Best State for Teen Drivers / NJ1015.com

Vets Go To The Head of the Line - Veterans will go to the front of the line at Cooper University Health Care under a new program being started in response to problems with the federal Veterans Administration's health system. Veterans in seven south Jersey counties would be served at the hospital in Camden.

• Cooper plans ‘VIP’ service for veterans / Courier-Post

Arrest Made in Stabbing - Attempted murder charges have been filed against a Tinton Falls man who allegedly shot at and stabbed a man during a robbery last weekend in Neptune. 20-year-old Cameron Keyes is being held on $1 million bail.

• Tinton Falls man accused of shooting, stabbing / Asbury Park Press

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