STATEWIDE - There's no question that New Jersey suffers from a void in local news caused by "news deserts" - areas of the state where there is absolutely no local news coverage from independent, objective sources. However, the state is more fortunate than other areas of the country that are experiencing the same issue, as the
TAPinto network of online local news sites now operates sites in more than 100 of the 565 towns in the state with more than one million readers each month. Each site is independently owned and operated and is part of a steadily-growing, sustainable franchise system. Together, these sites have created the largest news gathering operation in New Jersey, with more local reporters on the ground than any other publication, replacing the coverage that large newspapers once provided. Mike Shapiro, the founder of
TAPinto,
joins us today for the Jaffe Podcast, talking about the future of Jersey journalism.
TRENTON - Let's hope the kids in charter schools are better at math than the federal Department of Education. NJ Spotlight zeroes in on a study that charges the DOE has been extraordinarily lax in requiring an accounting for billions of dollars nationwide - and millions in New Jersey. These grants were awarded to charter schools that subsequently failed outright or that were supposed to open but never did. The federal DOE says it's the responsibility of state-level education departments to have a process for how taxpayer money is handled if a school closes or if it never opens. That seems to be news to the New Jersey Department of Education. Apparently, it is a job for an "independent trustee." NJ Spotlight explains a new report, called "Asleep at the Wheel."
TRENTON - As you sit in your flip-flops, and daydream about the surf, it's hard to focus on the proposed state budget and why you still even care about it. But squabbling Democrats are continuing to squabble, as they are constitutionally forced to hammer out a deal by the end of the month. Today, it looks as if rival Democrats in the Legislature will be proposing their very own version of a state budget, NJ.comreports. And their spending plan doesn't include the so-called millionaire's tax that Gov. Phil Murphy has been promoting all budget season. Rather, their $38 billion plan dips into the surplus funds (which we didn't know the state has) and hikes taxes on HMOs, while slashing $300 million in spending. Expect more hot dog-making with Murphy, and plenty of last-minute give-and-take, as we march toward the June 30 deadline and - thankfully - a conclusion of some sort.
TRENTON - And who the heck is this "governor" guy, anyway? That's what a third of people are asking in the latest FDU poll. About 67% of the 820 respondents swear they know the name of the current governor, and most of them actually did. "In the 'Let's just give them credit because they were close enough' category are those who said William Murphy or Bill Murphy is the governor," according to the press release. Meanwhile, one in five people still thought Chris Christie was governor. Please, people. Read.
IN THE SKY - This story is getting old, but still as important as ever. For some reason, idiots still think it is really, really funny to point laser lights at the cockpits of planes flying overhead, temporarily blinding pilots in the process. This apparently uproarious act took place yet again on Saturday night, somewhere around Ocean or Mercer counties, as a green laser was pointed at three different commercial flights over New Jersey. Ticked-off pilots told the FAA that their cockpits were illuminated by these green lasers, a clear and obvious federal crime. No injuries were reported. The FAA notes there were 5,663 laser incidents in 2018. C'mon. Really?
MONROE - The so-called "Bald Eagle Developer," who failed to get local Zoning Board approval to construct a large, mixed-used development near the site of a bald eagle's nest, is now suing Monroe, and specifically named Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro as a defendant, telling him to keep quiet about his opposition. The mayor's scrappy response: "We will not be bullied by aggressive developers and their lawyers...I have stated my opposition to this proposed development in my capacity as a concerned Monroe resident and an American who is entitled to free speech. If this developer has a problem with my criticism, that's his problem."
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
MIAMI - The U.S. national soccer team has so far scored 16 goals in two games. These women have dominated with 65-3 on shots and 25-1 on corner kicks against pitiful, developing teams, as the American team now plans to beat up on Sweden Thursday. So, let's check back with the Miami bar that offered "free shots" for every goal the women scored, when they ended up thrashing Thailand 13-0. The American Social Bar & Kitchen now explains its "free shots" promotion is not to be taken "literally," adding "no one expected this." Meanwhile, the bar has been welcoming patrons back for a free round, rather than free shots, as the women march along. Expect some strong words with the geniuses on the marketing team.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was this day in 2016 that Bergen Record readers learned their hometown paper was being sold to Gannett, known for taking newspapers and gutting them like newly-caught flounder. During the paper's heyday years ago, owner Mac Borg used to regale his staff with a stories about how he would get calls from Gannett, asking him if the paper was for sale. "Sure, it's 35 cents at the deli," the old man would say with a chuckle. Good times.
Zaftig - [ZAFF-tig] - verb
Definition: Pleasantly plump
Example: "Honey, do I look like a zaftig brunette in this outfit?"
WIT OF THE DAY
"When you have wit of your own, it's a pleasure to credit other people for theirs."
- Criss Jami
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THE NEW 60
A Jaffe Briefing Exclusive
by Andy Landorf & John Colquhoun
