The Morning Briefing - September 28, 2016
PHILLIPSBURG – Just in time for October, it is getting a bit creepy here. Four supposed sightings of creepy clowns have been reported around town, LehighValleyLive says. Cops are on the lookout, but are unable to substantiate these claims. “We don't need a society living in fear,” said police Capt. Robert Stettner, noting three clowns apparently came out of the woods in Walters Park on Sunday night and chased a child. Three more incidents were then reported to police Monday, apparently targeting kids. Sightings of whacked-out, leering or menacing clowns have been reported over the past few months in 19 states, the latest in Florida, Virginia and Colorado. Sure, there is no law against dressing like a mean clown. But when you frighten kids, there’s an obvious problem
BRIDGEGATE – Based on all the front page stories and screaming headlines, apparently it is important that we are told, once again, that Gov. Chris Christie is believed to have known about the GWB closure. David Wildstein, the star witness for the prosecution, said Christie was told about the traffic jams and laughed about it. Christie keeps denying he knew anything about it, as this over-reported story from 2013 keeps being told with breathless excitement. Apparently, if you use 48 point, instead of 36 point, for your headlines, this is all “new.”
TRENTON – Gov. Chris Christie is weighing in on this trend of athletes taking a knee during the national anthem at sports games. On NJ 101.5’s “Ask the Governor” show, Christie says that athletes should protest elsewhere, like picketing “in front of City Hall. Walk in front of the county courthouse, walk in front of the Statehouse on your own time.” Athletes are there to play the game, not use it as part of political statements. Yup, just like how motorists use bridges to get to work, not sit in jams as part of political statements.
ATLANTIC CITY – When the Revel reopens next year under the new name “Ten,” one must wonder if it will ultimately cost $10 billion to get tourists flocking to the shuttered resort. NJMonthly says the 47-story structure – once the gleaming example of the hopes of Atlantic City – would very soon have 13 restaurants, a luxury spa, two theaters, three nightclubs and, of course, a casino. Regulators need to approve it all, but we give these lofty plans a “10.” It’s all much better than the current use of the site, as a rusting, waterfront hulk.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
NEW YORK – It was a very memorable night for one Yankee fan, looking for some live TV coverage Tuesday of his big proposal to his girlfriend. But, with the cameras rolling for his big moment, he dropped the ring. “Stress city,” remarked one ESPN announcer, as fans in his section scoured the seats and looking in their popcorn buckets. “Wait a second, woohoo!” exclaims one of the broadcasters, as the crowd erupts in cheers. “It was in the jacket!” “Say yes, please say yes!” the other announcer quipped. She did. Congrats; hope he doesn’t lose a kid one day. See it here.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Plenty of celebration on the warships on this day in 1850, when the U.S. Navy finally bans flogging.
WORD OF THE DAY
Coulrophobia [coul·ro·PHO·bia] – noun
Definition: A fear of clowns
Example: I suffer from coulrophobia; you won’t see me anywhere near Phillipsburg.
WEATHER IN A WORD
70