The Morning Briefing April 24, 2012

TRENTON – Does Gov. Chris Christie hate the Earth? That's what some environmentalists are wondering after the Governor did absolutely nothing to mark Earth Day on Sunday – not even issuing a silly proclamation. NJSpotlight asked Christie's spokesman if the lack of activity reflected the Governor's position on the environment, prompting a less-than-pleasant response: "It signifies nothing and the premise of your loaded question is false and offensive.''

TOMS RIVER – A fake doctor should expect some awkward house calls over the next four years, after he was sentenced to the slammer for a Medicare scheme. The Asbury Park Press reports the Toms River man concocted a physician's practice under a bogus name and conducted hundreds of visits with homebound elderly in Ocean County. "Dr. Nelson" even prescribed medication and ordered medical procedures. Once he's popped from prison, the good doctor should expect a stack of civil lawsuits from furious families.

ATLANTIC CITY – The Golden Nugget casino is hoping for a PR boost today as it shows off a $150 million renovation during an appointment-only media tour. Owners of the glitzy mega-casino, Revel, note they also spent $150 million – but that was just on hand towels.

GLASSBORO – If there is not enough bone marrow left splattered on the field after a college football game, Rowan University football players are willing to donate whatever else they can spare. Today the fighting "Profs" will register as prospective donors during the National Marrow Donor Program's "Be The Match Registry,"

CINCINNATI – With all the struggles and challenges in our world, maybe God really does care which guy from which team scores a touchdown on any random Sunday. Jets quarterback Tim Tebow is at Cincinnati Christian University today to talk to 2,000 people about "faith and football" in the school gym, followed by a $500-a-plate banquet. Not bad treatment for a back-up.

AMESBURY, MASS. – If you take money from New Jersey that you don't deserve, we will find you. Eventually. The Record has a great column about a 17-year-old Paterson Catholic student in 1976 who apparently overdrew $73 in unemployment benefits from her minimum wage gig at a bakery. Numerous state resources were likely devoted to finding this woman who, the newspaper reports, now lives in northeastern Massachusetts. The former bakery employee received a letter from the state labor department demanding she refund the state for this extra compensation. Yeah, show me the proof, she says. Read more here.

SCOTCH PLAINS – The mayor is sidestepping what could have been a nasty Republican primary for her job, resigning the post next month to accept a state gig as the state Department of Community Affairs' Director of Shared Services. Mayor Nancy Malool lost her party's support, but is ideally suited for the new position – as her town shares many services with neighboring Fanwood and is about to study a complete reconnection of the two towns, which had once been one.

MORRIS PLAINS – A Bloomfield man who was hit by a car and smashed into the windshield is not only facing a tough recuperation, but also charges from local police. The Daily Record reports the 24-year-old man decided to dart across busy Route 202 on Monday and was smacked by a car driving through on a green light. The next time this guy gets hit by a car, he should make sure to use the crosswalk. Lesson learned.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

It was on this day in 1969 that Paul McCartney informed his fans that, yes, in fact, he is not dead – following a mysterious rumor that the famous Beatle died in 1966 and was replaced by a look-alike. College students – many of whom were likely exploring the many exciting species of mushrooms at the time – claimed clues of his death could be found in song lyrics and album covers.