The Morning Briefing - January 30, 2015
TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie has scored an early, decisive victory in the 2016 presidential race, taking the prize for most offensive PAC name. The governor’s campaign will accept dark money by way of LeadershipMattersForAmerica.Org, or, as New Jersey Dems are quick to note, “LMFAO.” It should be noted that LMFAO — the rapper duo — performed “Get Crazy,” the theme song to MTV’s Jersey Shore. Of course, the revived Jersey Shore will be a Christie talking point when he runs for President. Conspiracy theorists are busy examining the "Situation."
STATEWIDE – With the Super Bowl here, feel free to drink your face off at home, a bar or in the back of a 7-11. But, as the State Police notes, don’t go driving on a highway: you’ll be nabbed. Extra troopers are being deployed to state highways today through Monday, looking for anyone on a four-day drinking binge, or those just trying to find their way home from a deflated Super Bowl party.
NEWARK—The policy tempest surrounding Newark Public Schools rages on, but a relative calm in the storm is the Newark Trust for Education, the city’s local education fund, which celebrated its fourth anniversary last night at its Broad Street headquarters. Representatives from the mayor’s office, many of the city’s public schools, parents, foundations, universities, as well as the fabled - although increasingly notorious - Cami Anderson, gathered to honor Dr. Clement A. Price, the Rutgers-Newark historian and founding Trust board chair, who passed away in November. Ross Danis, Trust president and CEO, noted Price’s absence, saying that Price had the ability to navigate the city’s troubled waters without selling out: “Civility doesn’t mean that you’re a pushover. It means that you stand at the intersection of compassion and courage."
ATLANTIC CITY – If sports gambling was finally allowed in New Jersey, could you imagine how many people would be flocking to the casinos this weekend to get in on all the Super Bowl action? But, instead, here is the headliner for tomorrow: the annual indoor midget car race now taking place at Boardwalk Hall. We’re sure it’s a real chick magnet.
GLASSBORO – It’s a YouTube video called “I’m Shmacked,” with a roving camera crew visiting various colleges to assess the quality of parties. Consider it a U.S. News and World Report ranking for college applicants, but unrelated to education. “I’m Shmacked” has chosen Rowan University as the next destination, following a Twitter competition Wednesday night, NJ.com reports. That means serious parties will break out to show Rowan can party better than other colleges that “I’m Shmacked” has visited, such as Clemson University and the University of Arizona. Rowan officials say this isn’t the way to get on the map, but, hey, people are talking about Rowan.
NEW BRUNSWICK – Rutgers University is again making headlines this morning. Apparently, there are plenty of RU girls willing to be the “sugar babies” for “sugar daddies” looking for companionship and likely something more. There are now 317 Rutgers students registered with seekingarrangement.com, attracted to the average $3,000 monthly “allowances” they can reap from sugar daddies. Registration has spiked by 32 percent last year, putting Rutgers among the “Top 50” sugar daddy schools in the nation. Good job, RU!
STATEWIDE – Media is still trying to assess how much this fake blizzard has cost New Jersey. NJ.com reports flight cancellations cost the regional economy more than $45 million if you factor in all the money lost by hotels, restaurants, shopping, Broadway shows, etc. That’s the number crunched by the U.S. Travel Association, which claims every cancelled flight represents $31,600 in missed economic activity. The fake blizzard prompted 1,440 cancellations. Thanks again, Mr. Weatherman.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
UNIONTOWN, Pa. – The family of Larry Markwood would be so proud, as Fayette County officials have reappointed him to the county’s industrial authority board. One slight hiccup: Markwood has been dead since 2012. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports county officials conduct interviews for these posts, and receive letters from board members who want to be re-appointed. Somehow, Markwood made it through this airtight process. County officials admit the board has not had a meeting since 2010, opening up further questions.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was this day in 1969 that the world said goodbye to the Beatles, performing live for the last time, a free show on the roof. The Beatles surprised the central London business district with the show on the roof of Apple headquarters. It was 42 minutes of music before the cops shut it down. “Let it Be!,” fans yelled.