The Morning Briefing - July 20, 2015
NEWARK - It seems like every city, state and federal official will be in the Brick City today to announce a $50 million venture capital fund for entrepreneurs investing in ways to solve social concerns in Newark. The celebration also includes the introduction of a free public wireless Internet network called "Firebolt Newark Wi-Fi." It all happens at the city's most high-profile online and technology firm, Audible, Inc.
HAMILTON - There was a little surprise for a car thief yesterday, when the guy stole a car from a gas station around 6 p.m., after the driver ran into the convenience store. The suspect hopped into her car and took off. But it wasn't long before he noticed a 1-year-old girl in the backseat. As the grandmom had left her cell phone in the car, cops were on the case within minutes and found the little girl in the car a few blocks away. All were well, but yet another perfect anecdote for nervous parents who don't let their kids play in a parked car in the driveway.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL - It is fascinating to watch the now-political giant Donald Trump continue to hijack the GOP primary for President. After having the cajones to say Sen. John McCain is only a war hero "because he was captured" - and then refusing yesterday to back down from such outrageous comments - Trump is out this morning with an op-ed. Trump continues to slam McCain, saying America is less safe because of him. Trump adds he doesn't need to be lectured by his competitors, calling them "failed politicians or people who would be unable to succeed in the private sector." Love watching this scorched earth campaign.
HOWELL - Interesting to see who will howl at the fact that school officials and administrators have given their kids $12-an-hour jobs cleaning up the buildings and prepping for the new school year. The Asbury Park Press has the scathing revelation that five officials' teens and three adults, who already work for the district, are part of a group of 22 "movers and helpers" being paid up to $65,000 total this summer to move, unpack and inventory the district's supplies. Gadflies are aghast; no one else cares.
ASBURY PARK - Bruce Springsteen continues to be the biggest travel czar for the city, showing up at the Wonder Bar on Saturday night and playing 15 songs past midnight. Just the thought that maybe he'll show is enough to attract people to these small, worn beachfront bars. And the spike on social media had people flocking to Ocean Avenue - even surprising the bar owner, who didn't recall hiring Springsteen for a gig.
ORANGE - City officials continue to revitalize a crime-ridden East Ward, as part of what has become a surgical block-by-block strategy. This morning, the former Jerusalem Baptist Church is coming down as part of a project to build 44 affordable housing units and reclaim yet another part of the neighborhood. The Orange Housing Authority, with other city officials, will be there at 9 a.m. to watch another eyesore come down.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
IN THE AIR - While airline passengers feel like cattle at Newark Liberty International Airport, the Port Authority has signed a lease for a $48 million plan to make travelling animals feel like first-class passengers. Known as the "ARK," the converted hangar at JFK Airport will serve every animal imaginable when it opens next year. There will be sleek, climate-controlled quarters with showers, flat-screen TVs and even a special space for penguins in desperate need of "mating privacy." Dogs will get bone-shaped splashing pools, massage therapy and "pawdicures with colored nail pawlish." Cats will have their own trees to climb. And none will be fed a lousy bag of peanuts.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was this day in 1990 that Newark native and Supreme Court Justice William Brennan retired from the bench, after 36 years, proving that any kid graduating from Barringer High School can do whatever he/she wants.
WORD OF THE DAY
Bumfuzzle - verb
Definition: To confuse, perplex or fluster.
Example: "Boy, don't bumfuzzle me with so many conflicting details this Monday morning."