The Morning Briefing - October 15, 2015
The Jaffe Morning Briefing won't publish beginning Monday, Oct. 19, returning Monday, Nov. 2.
TRENTON – It would seem Gannett’s examination of the state’s spending proposals would spark terrific debate in the Assembly race, as all 80 seats are on the Nov. 3 ballot. Likely, the story won’t make a ripple, but it is interesting to note that for every dollar proposed in cuts, state lawmakers proposed $2,800 in new spending or taxes over the past 18 months. Lawmakers have suggested $2.8 billion in state spending over the next three years, according to a review of 450 bills. There are also proposals for more borrowing, fees, and taxes, with just three proposals that would actually lead to savings – a measly $2.3 million over three years. Good job, Gannett, for crunching the numbers.
CRANBURY – A mellow cloud of smoke will waft from tiny Cranbury today, as owners of the state’s fifth medical marijuana dispensary mark the grand opening today. It is called “Breakwater Treatment & Wellness,” and hopes to serve 3,000 patients. There is plenty to celebrate, as it has taken nearly five years to grow the plants, navigate the state’s red tape and open the doors.
NEWARK – Tough choice today. Do you watch the do-or-die Mets game, or do you head to NJPAC for what seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? You can sit with Mel Brooks in a theater to watch “Blazing Saddles.” Brooks will be there at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the 1974 comedy as part of an event dubbed “Mel Brooks…Back in the Saddle Again!” Perhaps there will be a candygram for Mongo… (Yeah, you had to see the movie for that one.) See it here.
NEWARK – And if the Mets or “Blazing Saddles” are not your thing, how about the Black Panthers? A very rare gathering of the 1960s-era Black Nationalist organization takes place at the Newark Public Library from 6-8 p.m., as local Black Panthers celebrate the 49th anniversary today of the party's Saturday, Oct. 15, 1966, founding in Oakland, CA.
ATLANTIC CITY – A surprising win for New Jersey in the ongoing legal battle to bring legal sports betting here. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has decided that its full roster of 11 judges should hear arguments in three months or so. If the state is given the green light, over the objection of five major sports leagues, it would be a financial windfall for places like Atlantic City and Monmouth Park, suddenly finding themselves with a whole new generation of customers.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
LINCOLN CITY, Ore. – It’s been a brutal PR year for Subway. First, that big mess with Jared and his kiddie porn. Now, a dead mouse is discovered in a sandwich on the Oregon coast. KGW-TV reports the mouse corpse was found in the Italian sub with spinach, prompting another national news hit. Subway blames the spinach supplier, noting such a discovery does not mesh with the company’s “Eat Fresh” brand.
AT THE STORE – The typical Wal-Mart shopper must certainly feel awful for the owners of the mega, international retailer. Shares dropped 10 percent in value yesterday, equivalent to $21 billion. For the top 10 owners of Wal-Mart stock, they shared a $14 billion loss. So, when there is a 5-cent price hike on the 40-pound bag of cat food, let's give those billionaires a break, ok?
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL — From Neil Young to Aerosmith, from the Boss to REM, rock stars continue to rebuff Republican candidates' attempts to use their music as campaign anthems. To remedy this, Stephen Colbert, with the help of Jack Black, showcased his new generic America anthem, billing it as the greatest political anthem of all time. See for yourself. See it here.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
As Mets fans eagerly await tonight’s first pitch at 8:07 p.m., here’s some inspiration: It was this day in 1986 that the Mets won the longest postseason game, beating the Astros 7-6 in 16 innings to win the pennant.
WORD OF THE DAY
Mungo – noun
Definition: A dumpster diver
Example: For my ever-growing banana peel collection, I’m become one heckuva mungo.