Kim Zolciak got booted off 'Dancing with the Stars' tonight, but she was totally caught off guard by producers' decision to cut her. Sources closely involved tell us Kim was not given a heads up that she would be cut -- and was only told she needed…
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Monday 28 September 2015
Sunday 27 September 2015
Justin Bieber -- Girl Claims She Was Drugged At Listening Party With Justin and Crew
Justin Bieber was at a recording studio in Australia Sunday night ... and a woman who was there claims she was drugged -- but other people at the studio say nothing like that happened. In a social media post, the girl, an Australian model named…
Friday 25 September 2015
'Big Bang Theory' Star Kaley Cuoco -- Divorce is Not a Theory Anymore, It's a Reality
"The Big Bang Theory" star Kaley Cuoco is getting a divorce from her husband. Kaley married tennis pro Ryan Sweeting New Year's Eve, 2013. They have no kids. There have been rumblings of divorce for months ... something the couple has denied.…
Unintended Consequences of an Efficient Attic
Posted by Mike_Guertin
Air sealing and insulating an attic is the right thing to do, right? So why am I shoveling off this roof?
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Pope Francis speaks of common good and common sense at UN | Di Ionno
Pontiff opens summit on "sustainable development."
Pope Francis started his day in New York this morning with his now-familiar common theme.
The message the pontiff delivered at the United Nations asked leaders to use common sense to protect our common ground, earth, for the common good of mankind.
There couldn't have been a more appropriate way to kick off the UN's "Sustainable Development Summit," a four-day conference on climate change and its potential impact on the least of us brothers - the hungry and poor, the people living in earth's most environmentally fragile areas.
He also assailed the evils of the world in a wide-ranging speech that addressed issues from child slavery to prostitution to nuclear proliferation to drug trafficking, and the scourge of exploitation of "the excluded and those in need."
He called "lodging, labor and land" and "spiritual freedom and all civil rights" the pillars of human development," and called for "the need for greater economic equity" of the world's nations.
Speaking in his native Spanish in slow, deliberate tones, the pontiff talked for 50 minutes about a world that must search its soul to end selfishness and find harmony in nature and the common good for mankind.
"Our common goal must be built on the sacredness of nature and the use of creation for the common good," he said.
In a dense and theoretical speech, the pontiff cited "natural law" as a way to heighten mankind's higher aspirations.
"The true right of the environment does exist. We humans live as part of the environment in all its spheres," Pope Francis said. "The misuse of creation is recognized when we see nothing beyond ourselves. We must have absolute respect for life in in all its stages and dimensions."
The pontiff arrived slightly ahead of schedule and was greeted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the main entrance. This is a place accustomed hosting presidents, prime ministers, king and queens, but the Vicar of Christ brought it to a new level of attention. Looking tired and limping slightly from the sciatica that troubles him, Pope Francis engaged the crowd gathered to greet him with the warm smile that has become a trademark.
As he was escorted through the UN halls, staff members and dignitaries crowded against the barriers, with their cellphones recording or snapping away for posterity.
Pope Francis nodded and reached to touch several outstretched hands, including those of the 193 children who were there as part of the opening ceremonies for the sustainable development conference.
After delivering brief remarks to the staff about the good work they do, he was taken to the General Assembly on an electric cart, a sort of mini-popemobile, past thousands of people who called his name and cheered as the children sang.
This pope, like Poland's John Paul II, is clearly a man of the people. Throughout his mission to Cuba and the United States he has called on leaders, and humanity in general, to be more ... humane.
Before the pontiff spoke before the General Assembly this morning he was introduced by Ki-Moon as a man "not with the wealthy, but with the poor. He is not with the famous, but with the forgotten. He has cried out for compassion for the world's migrants and refugees," Ki-moon said.
Pope Francis then stepped up to a standing ovation and immediately launched into his theme of greater economic parity.
"We should assure we are not using lending policies that are mechanisms that generate greater poverty, exclusion and dependence," he said. "The distribution of power lies within the very definition of law itself."
At St. Patrick' Cathedral last night Pope Franics reminded the clergy to maintain its "closeness to the poor, the refugee, the immigrant, the sick, the exploited, the elderly living alone, prisoners and all God's other poor."
In front of Congress he urged American leaders to let politics "truly be at the service of the human person" and not "be a slave to the economy and finance."
Amen to that.
Mark Di Ionno may be reached at mdiionno@starledger.com. Follow The Star-Ledger on Twitter @StarLedger and find us on Facebook.
Jersey City fire chief: family is 'key to this whole problem' of youth violence
"Kids have to have a parent in their lives," the chief said.
JERSEY CITY -- Fire Chief Darren Rivers, whose son was gunned down on Fulton Avenue in June, today said "the key to this whole problem" of youth violence is family.
Rivers, speaking at an anti-violence forum at Saint Peter's University when he was one of the panelists, said he stayed out of trouble when he was young because his mother kept him from giving into peer pressure.
"I was more afraid of my parents than I was of my friends," he said. "It all starts at home ... the kids have to have a parent in their lives."
Darcel Rivers, the fire chief's 35-year-old son, was fatally shot during an apparent robbery in the early morning hours of June 4. Darcel Rivers was walking to his mother's house after visiting a friend when he was killed.
Today, the chief said he still struggles with the loss of his son, and to get through each day he tries to focus on his four remaining children and 12 grandkids.
"I can't bring my son back, but I can put my attention on them," he said.
MORE: Jersey City officials mourn fire chief's son, pledge action
This afternoon's forum was hosted by the Jersey City university's Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership, and organized by local activist Pamela Johnson. Johnson said she wanted it to "start the conversation" about youth violence, and give teens a chance to see that there's an alternative to living on the streets. About 50 people attended.
Councilwoman-at-large Joyce Watterman, another panelist, said neighborhoods must build "a new community" to combat violence. In Watterman's youth, she said, neighbors looked out for everyone's children, and that kind of community-mindedness must return.
"If Miss Bessie saw you do something wrong, she would smack you, and then when you got home, your mom would smack you," Watterman said.
The roughly 90-minute session ended with Rivers, Watterman and the other panelists offering advice for the young people present on how to stay out of the criminal justice system.
"Always stay focused," Rivers told them. "Own your dreams, own your goals and do whatever it takes to reach them."
Asked last week if there were any developments in Darcel Rivers' case, city spokesman Ryan Jacobs said the city does not provide details on ongoing investigations.
Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
Probation for Lakewood cop in illegal search, report says
Police officer lied to conceal warrant-less search
TOMS RIVER -- A former Lakewood police officer who forged a document to conceal an illegal search has lost his job but avoided prison time, app.com reported.
Jeremy Felder, 29, of Old Bridge, is barred from serving in New Jersey law enforcement and was sentenced to one year of probation Friday.
RELATED: N.J. Supreme Court relaxes rules on police searches of vehicles
Felder, a former Jackson police officer who had joined the Lakewood force in 2011, stopped a car on Aug. 31, 2013 and carried out a search without a warrant, Felder previously admitted in court. After Felder and his partner found heroin and a needle, Felder filled out a search consent form for the car's occupants to sign but listed a time 16 minutes earlier than when the search was actually carried out to make it appear as though permission were granted beforehand.
As a condition of Felder's plea, prosecutors agreed to close other outstanding investigations involving him. Authorities declined to discuss those other investigations.
Felder's sentencing comes just a day after the state Supreme Court gave police broader latitude to search vehicles without a warrant if there is probable cause.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
WATCH: Football playing nun draws a crowd in Philadelphia
A nun played football in the streets of Philadelphia awaiting Pope Francis's upcoming visit. Watch video
PHILADELPHIA -- This sister's got game, Sam Bradford, watch out.
One Kentucky nun took a break from waiting for Pope Francis's visit to Philadelphia to toss a few passes with some fellow pilgrims, and with how the Eagles have been doing recently, they might just want to check her out.
Sister Patricia Jean Cushing stepped out onto Arch Street Friday evening and joined John and Mark Timmons , Chicago residents who are also in town for the historic papal visit, in throwing a little pigskin.
Related: The calm before Pope Francis's visit in Philly
In no time the unusual game of catch between a father, a son and a nun drew a crowd delighted to cheer them all on.
"The Eagles need you!" chanted one onlooker while another shouted: "You're showing off!"
When asked how she got her game Cushing's answer was simple.
"I had four brothers so I played football and I'm a teacher so I have to keep up with the kids."
Turns out football isn't her only skill.
Right after her game of catch Sister Jean broke out into a jig when she heard the music of a local busker, so America's Got Talent might want to take note too.
NJ.com staff writer Rebecca Forand contributed to this report.
Adya Beasley may be reached at abeasley@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @adyabeasley. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
At papal Mass, iconic arena becomes an intimate cathedral
Madison Square Garden, home to the Knicks and New York Rangers, which has played host to everyone from The Rolling Stones to Billy Joel, became a cathedral on Friday, as 19,000 parishioners filled the arena to hear Pope Francis celebrate Mass.
NEW YORK--The answer to Catherine McDonald's prayers came in a FedEx envelope delivered to her home in Bayonne last Saturday--two tickets from the Archdiocese of Newark to the papal Mass at Madison Square Garden.
"It was the best day of my life," declared the 68-year-old retired Jersey City school teacher, as she awaited the arrival of Pope Francis inside the arena on Friday evening.
Sitting to the left of the altar with her husband Jack--where she could see white bunting soaring high, framing a large crucifix far below the blue championship banners of the New York Knicks --she said any place the pope went was holy.
"They made it look like a church," she said.
Indeed, as the lights went down and the cross took on dominance, the arena became at once intimate, and the atmosphere deeply spiritual. Even before the arrival of the pope, prayers were being offered and confessional stations set up throughout the building for those seeking the sacrament of Penance.
A choir and organ filled the air with music and about 200 deacons and 150 volunteers were waiting to assist in giving Holy Communion.
Madison Square Garden, home to both the Knicks and the Rangers, which has played host to everyone from The Rolling Stones to Billy Joel, became a cathedral on Friday night, as about 20,000 faithful filled the celebrated arena to hear Pope Francis celebrate Mass.
RELATED: Pope Francis in 9/11 prayer for peace
The liturgy capped a busy day that took the 78-year-old pontiff from an address at the United Nations, to a multi-religious service at the 9/11 Memorial, to a visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem, to a motorcade procession through Central Park where he greeted an enormous crowd of onlookers on his way to the Garden.
The pope arrived at the Garden shortly before 6 p.m., entering the arena to applause on a white golf cart, circling the floor slowly and waving to people as he often stopped. After one turn around, he took an unexpected second go-around, to the great delight of those in the crowd.
Moments later, with the flourish of trumpets, a resonant organ, and a full orchestra that suddenly transformed the hall, a dramatic procession of cardinals and bishops entered to the harmonies of Hallelujah by a white-robed choir, leading the way for the pope in green vestments.
"Peace be with you," he began.
Pope Francis sat on simple oak chair built by day laborers working for a charity. The crowd was a respectful and quiet throughout most of the Mass, rapt in attention and quick to applaud any smile on the pontiff's face.
In his homily, the pope took note of his unique setting.
"We are in Madison Square Garden, a place synonymous with this city," he said, in an English translation of his native Spanish provided by the Vatican. "This is the site of important athletic, artistic and musical events attracting people not only from this city, but from the whole world."
But he said living in a big city is not always easy.
"Big cities are a reminder of the hidden riches present in our world: in the diversity of its cultures, traditions and historical experiences," he said. Yet he said big cities also conceal the faces of all those people who don't appear to belong. The pope said these are "the foreigners, the children who go without schooling, those deprived of medical insurance, the homeless, the forgotten elderly."
God, he said, "frees us from anonymity, from a life of emptiness and selfishness," adding that "God is living in our cities," and so is the church.
Some of those he spoke about were not hard to find, even right outside the Garden, where many homeless sought help from those heading for Mass.
"I've been down on my luck a long time, I don't have a lot hope. If a miracle was every going to come, it might be today," said Thaddeus Wilson, 47, who lives in a Brooklyn shelter.
A man who only gave his name as Danny, 36, Jersey City, said he has been homeless since Hurricane Sandy. He thought the pope's visit was making many more generous.
"Maybe they're giving more than they normally would," he suggested.
Inside, before and after Mass, many who came for the pope said they felt lucky to be there. More than any rock show, the papal event was a hot ticket with only limited distribution, mostly through the Archdiocese of New York. About 100 tickets were shared with the Archdiocese of Newark, which distributed them based on the luck of a draw.
Marguerite McMahon (l) of River Edge with Catherine and McDonald of Bayonne, at Madison Square Garden for the papal Mass. (Photo courtesy of Catherine McDonald) "I was persistent," said Marguerite McMahon, 67, of River Edge. "I first wrote to Cardinal Dolan in New York and was told to get in touch with the diocese in Newark."
She got the tickets and came with her daughter, Lena.
It was not her first papal visit. Some 20 years ago, McMahon--an estate paralegal and congregant of Holy Trinity Church in Hackensack--was part of a crowd of nearly 83,000 who jammed Giants Stadium to see Pope John Paul II in a driving, freezing rain.
"I'm not lucky with the lottery, but with pope tickets I get lucky," she laughed.
Saddle River Mayor Sam Raia had also attended that 1995 service at Giants Stadium, and with his wife, Tina, was at the Garden marking his second papal Mass.
Saddle River Mayor Sam Raia and his wife Tina, who were at the papal Mass after receiving tickets from the Newark Archdiocese. (Photo courtesy of Sam Raia)"That was the experience of a lifetime. It was a rainy, rainy day and we were soaked, but we had goose bumps when we were done," he said.
A lector at St. Gabriel the Archangel Roman Catholic church in Saddle River, Raia, 67, said he was thrilled to be part of the Mass at Madison Square Garden.
"We're absolutely thrilled," he said. "This pope is the real people's pope. Hopefully he'll see what America is all about. He's going to see the compassion of our people."
Security for the pope was very tight, with long lines of people outside the Garden waiting to get in.
"It was a nightmare. It was two hours from start to finish," said Dennis Hoppin, 66, of Weehawken. "It looked like a million people out there."
He, too, received tickets through the Archdiocese of Newark. And once inside with his wife Marianne Colaneri, was only too excited to be there.
So too, was the pope, as New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan introduced him anew at the end of the Mass to a crowd that for the first time Friday, roared like sports fans at a championship game.
The pope beamed.
Concluding the service with the customary "go in peace and serve the Lord" he added, "And please, I ask you, don't forget to pray for me."
NJ Advance Media reporter Dan Ivers contributed to this story.Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
N.J. insurer says some data stolen, but not Social Security numbers
Scammers posed as physicians to obtain data and submit false claims, Horizon says
NEWARK -- Health insurer Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey said Friday some members' personal information was taken by thieves who posed as doctors, although none of the data included critical information such as Social Security numbers.
"On July 30, 2015, we learned that some of our members' personal information may have been accessed due to fraudulent activity," the company said in a statement posted to its Web site. "Horizon BCBSNJ's Special Investigations Unit discovered that several perpetrators falsely established themselves as doctors or other health care professionals and obtained Horizon BCBSNJ member identification numbers, and potentially other personal information, through methods typically only available to legitimate doctors and health care professionals."
RELATED: How to protect your children from identity theft
Using the stolen information, someone put in claims for medical services that were never performed .Horizon has notified the FBI and is assisting law enforcement with the investigation, the company also said. At least 1,100 customers were affected.
The thieves obtained information such as names, birth dates, gender and Horizon identification numbers from victims, the company said, but did not get medical records, financial information or Social Security numbers. Victims whose information was used to submit false claims have already been notified and letters to other affected members began going out Friday.
The company urged any member who suspects their data had been obtained to call if they do not receive a letter by Oct. 5. Horizon can be reached at 1-855-447-4755 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com .Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
He lost his religion on 9/11, but the pope restores his faith
Brother of man killed in Twin Towers says Francis 'exudes welcome'
NEW YORK -- Jim Giaccone lost two things on September 11th - his older brother, Joe, from Monroe Twp., and his faith. People offered condolences in the weeks after the attacks, but none of their cliches - "God took him for a reason" - answered his central question: Why?"
"On September 11th, a lot of people went toward the church, and a lot of people went away. I was in that latter group," he said Friday after he left Ground Zero.
Joseph Giaccone worked at Cantor-Fitzgerald as the head of telecommunications when he was killed at the age of 43, leaving behind a wife and two children. The family had just moved into their new Monroe, N.J., home a few months before his death.
His brother Jim has kept active as a volunteer for Tuesday's Child, the charity for children who lost a parent that day, but still felt a spiritual void, he said. He applied for tickets to see Pope Francis so he could take his 86-year-old aunt, who goes to church every day - or at least that's the excuse he gave himself, he said.
He called the service "near-perfect." The Muslim iman was so eloquent, Giaccone said, he wanted to leap onstage and hug him - and this from a man who said he harbored deep resentment toward Muslims for a long time.
"I go down to Ground Zero with a heavy heart all the time," he said, "but today, I saw beauty," he said. This pope - with his message of peace and inclusion - has made a fan out of Giaccone.
"I really like this pope. He exudes welcome," he said. "So, you never know: He might be the catalyst to renew or invigorate my faith."
Kathleen O'Brien may be reached at kobrien@njadvancemedia.com, or at (732) 902-4557. Follow her on Twitter @OBrienLedger. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Dalai Lama cancels Philadelphia trip per doctor's orders
The religious leader was scheduled to receive the Liberty Medal in Philadelphia next month but has cancelled all appearances in October due to health issues.
PHILADELPHIA -- One out of two isn't so bad, Philadelphia.
The city, currently prepping for the Saturday arrival of Pope Francis, will be scrapping plans to host the Dalai Lama next month after it was announced Friday the religious leader is canceling all U.S. events in October.
MORE: Before Pope Francis' arrival, it's calm before the storm in Philly
The Dalai Lama during a recent visit to Germany. According to a post on the Dalai Lama's website, the 80-year-old Buddhist monk was told to rest for the next few weeks following a medical visit in the U.S.
He had been scheduled to appear at multiple events in Philadelphia, including an "Eight Versus for Training the Mind," teaching session at La Salle University on Oct. 26 and a "Finding Happiness in Troubled Times" public forum on Oct. 27. The Dalai Lama also planned to accept the Liberty Medal at the Constitution Center on Oct. 26.
"We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by this decision and apologize to all the people who have worked so hard in organizing the visit as well as to the public. We thank you for your support and understanding," a statement on the website read.
After the Dalai Lama's visit was announced, Mayor Michael Nutter said in a statement that the city was "fortunate to host two of the world's most inspirational leaders in such a short time,"
Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
Tens of thousands endure long lines for glimpse of papal motorcade
NEW YORK — Irene Villacci and Donna Amato boarded a train from Long Island at 7:15 a.m Friday. They arrived at Central Park at 10 a.m. and began waiting on line on Central Park West. They got into the park and 11:15 a.m. And then they waited behind a barricade. "We stood there and didn't leave our spots until...
NEW YORK -- Irene Villacci and Donna Amato boarded a train from Long Island at 7:15 a.m Friday. They arrived at Central Park at 10 a.m. and began waiting on line on Central Park West. They got into the park and 11:15 a.m. And then they waited behind a barricade.
"We stood there and didn't leave our spots until we saw him," Villacci said.
"Him" is Pope Francis, whose motorcade traveled through Central Park on the way to delivering Mass at Madison Square Garden.
Villacci, Amato and thousands of others endured more than hour-long waits on lines snaking up and down Central Park West, TSA screenings, and for anyone who actually wanted a good spot, hours more standing until the pope arrived just after 5 p.m.
MORE: Profit from the pontiff: Street vendors capitalize on pope's visit
All that for perhaps for two minutes of seeing Pope Francis wave from his Popemobile.
Why?
"I think having Pope Francis here is really inspiring," said Carol Collins. "It's sort of the last hope of the world that we can finally find a solution to our problems, which are many."
The joy that awaits those blessed to have a ticket to see Pope Francis in Central Park. pic.twitter.com/OH8GAD0tWR
— Myles Ma (@MylesMaNJ) September 25, 2015Giovannie Etienne, of Brooklyn, secured a spot for herself and her two-week old daughter Gianna right along the barricade. They waited five hours, no easy task with an infant, in hope of receiving the pope's blessing.
They didn't make eye contact, but his presence was enough, Etienne said.
"It's just a pleasure to be here," she said. "It's once in a lifetime."
Pope Francis waved at Villacci.
"They tell me he did," the 51-year-old said. "I was too busy holding up my phone and hip-checking the lady next to me."
"He's such a great pope," Amato said. She noted his focus on poverty, and message of love for all. She added, "For 78, he looks fantastic."
Villacci said it was worth the wait.
"If you want me to wait another 7 hours, I will," she said. "If he's going to come here after MSG, let's do it. Just please, can I have dinner and sit down?"
Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Panel urges unpaid suspension for judge accused of demeaning employee
The Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, in a 56-page presentment made public Friday, found "clear and convincing" evidence that Judge Gerald Council inappropriately touched a court employee twice.
TRENTON - A state judicial committee has recommended that Mercer County Presiding Judge Gerald Council be suspended for one month without pay and possibly removed from his leadership role for inappropriately touching and demeaning a subordinate.
The Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, in a 56-page presentment made public Friday, found "clear and convincing" evidence that Council inappropriately touched a court employee twice, which led to her being demeaned, belittled and publicly humiliated.
The committee said another incident, in which Council allegedly "shushed" the employee in front of colleagues and put his hand in front of her mouth, was not proven.
And while the committee found Council's use of nicknames - toward other employees and defendants - were troubling, the committee found they did not constitute conduct for which Council should be punished.
Council has been accused of calling the woman he touched, "my problem child," another staffer "little pet" and a man who had hip surgery "hop along."
The matter now goes to the state Supreme Court, where Council will have a chance to argue why he should not be disciplined. Oral arguments are scheduled for December.
The incidents in which Council allegedly touched the employee, identified only as A.J, occurred in a two-week period in 2012 during and after sessions of Mercer County Drug Court, a diversionary program.
The first, during a social event for a new judge in the courthouse, witnesses told the committee that Council put his hand on A.J's upper back in an effort to move her out of the room and directed her to get back to work.
Council singled the employee out, and one colleague who witnessed it said to another, "Wow, you believe what he just did that to her?"
The second incident, which the committee found more egregious, occurred after a drug court staff meeting. Council grabbed A.J.'s ear and pulled her from the room, saying, "come on, come on," the committee alleges.
One witness heard council refer to the employee as, "my troubled child" as he led her out.
"By virtue of (Council's) misconduct, A.J. was purposefully and publicly humiliated and, thereafter, displaced from her position as coordinator in the Mercer County Drug Court program, a job she, by all accounts, performed well," the committee wrote.
And, the committee wrote of Council touching A.J., "Irrespective of its sexual nature, that touching was nonetheless offensive, publicly humiliating, and highly inappropriate particularly for one holding the title of jurist."
RELATED: Mercer County judge faces disciplinary committee complaint
While the committee recommended Council not be discipline for his use of nicknames, they found he did use them, some more than others.
Council called novice drug court employees, "grasshoppers," referred to a female employee as "Mama Johnson," although it was a name the woman gave her, and the man he called "hop along."
Most were terms of endearment and the people did not take offense, the committee said.
Council also referred to drug court defendants by names they preferred, like "Pretty Ricky" and "Sexy Chocolate," but witnesses bolstered the claims that the defendants preferred their nicknames.
And Council called one defendant before the court "Farmer Mosely," because he was charged with growing marijuana. He called another defendant a "cry baby."
The committee said the nicknames are "at best sarcastic, at worst disparaging," and have no place in the courtroom.
"Terms that serve to disparage and undermine the Judiciary, its members, users and the justice system as a whole, should be assiduously avoided particularly by jurists who serve as the foremost bastion of judicial integrity and impartiality."
Council has denied most of the allegations, and the committee took him to task for the way he defended himself before the committee.
"Throughout these proceedings, (Council) has denied any wrongdoing, claiming no recollection of his own conduct , and attacking veracity of those who testified, casting them as malcontents and liars," the committee said.
"We find this exceedingly troubling, and a substantially aggravating factor in assessing the appropriate, quantum of discipline for (Council's) ethical breaches."
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.
S. Toms River hit-and-run suspect, 85, turns self in
Driver told police he believed he hilt a deer, authorities said
SOUTH TOMS RIVER -- An elderly motorist who said he did not realize he struck and critically injured a bicyclist early Friday turned himself in to police a few hours later, authorities said.
Police responded to the entrance of the northbound Garden State Parkway at Dover Road shortly before 4 a.m. on a report of a pedestrian struck. The 48-year-old victim, a local resident, was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center wirth head, pelvis and ankle injuries. She was in surgery Friday and was listed in critical but stable condition.
MORE: Bicyclist in critical condition after Lacey crash
Local and Toms River police, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and the sheriff's department, conducted an investigation, using serial numbers from parts found on the roadway to determine that the vehicle involved appeared to be a Ford Aerostar with a model year between 1992 and 1997.
Shortly before 8 a.m., a local resident, Antonio S. Rodrigues, 85, showed up at police headquarters after learning of the accident. Rodrigues told police he had been driving to the Rt. 70 Flea Market in Lakewood when he heard a "boom," authorities said. Thinking it was a deer, Rodrigues continued on to the flea market and was setting up his stall when he learned someone had been struck. He packed up his stall, drove home and walked to the police department.
Rodrigues, who consented to a blood test, was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and his license and registration are valid, authorities said. His 1995 Ford Aerostar was towed to the sheriff's department garage and will be searched pending the issuance of a warrant.
Rodrigues has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and failure to report an accident.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
Cop accused of sexting teens arrested on new charges, prosecutor says
A Glen Rock police sergeant already accused of sending sexually explicit messages to teen girls faces new charges that he sold guns surrendered to the department, authorities said Friday.
HACKENSACK - A Glen Rock police sergeant already accused of sending sexually explicit messages to teen girls faces new charges that he sold guns surrendered to the department, authorities said Friday.
Eric Reamy, 51, of Hackensack, was charged with seven counts of theft by failure to make required disposition of property received, according to Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli.
The former detective bureau evidence officer passed off handguns and rifles turned over to the department as his own and sold the weapons at two gun stores, Molinelli said in a statement.
RELATED: N.J. cop accused of sexting teen girls, sending naked photos
Investigators also uncovered a laptop and pellet gun that should have been secured as evidence during a search at Reamy's former residence Aug. 5, the prosecutor said.
Reamy was freed on $250,000 bail and under house arrest after he was charged last month with five counts of child endangerment for allegedly sending sexually explicit messages to two girls, ages 14 and 17, who he was investigating in separate cases.
Prosecutors alleged Reamy used his department-issued cell phone to communicate with the girls.
MORE: Cop accused of sexting teen girls to go free on bail
The 27-year police veteran served as head of the borough's detective bureau and has since been suspended without pay, officials previously said.
"It's not a reflection of our department by any means," Glen Rock police Chief Frederick Stahman told NJ Advance Media after the first arrest. "I'm very disheartened by this whole thing."
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Philly Congressman swipes, sips from Pope's water glass, report says
U.S. Rep. Bob Brady took Pope Francis' water glass from the podium after he spoke to Congress and took it back to his office to sip.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A Philadelphia Congressman is making headlines after reports came in Friday that he grabbed a water glass used by Pope Francis during his remarks to the Joint Session on Thursday, and took it back to his office to take a sip.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, left, Congressman Bob Brady address the media during an evening press conference in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia, Wednesday, May 13, 2015. Brady is making news for taking a sip from Pope Francis' water glass after he spoke to Congress on Sept. 24, 2015. (Joe Warner | For NJ.com)According to an ABC News report, U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, a devout Catholic, approached the podium while the Pope was walking out after he spoke, and took the glass of water.
MORE: 5 things you need to know about getting around Philly during Pope Francis' visit
Brady, a Democrat who represented Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, then brought it back to his office, where he, his wife and members of his staff took sips from it.
A representative for Brady told ABC that Brady has "immense respect" for Pope Francis and will be attending his events in Philadelphia on Saturday and Sunday.
.@RepBrady drinks Pope Francis's backwash, shares it with his staff and wife http://t.co/4EZXwg9yyi pic.twitter.com/5VTGYr4IOn
-- Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) September 25, 2015
Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
Glassboro woman sought for skipping court on drug charge
Authorities are looking for a Glassboro woman who failed to appear in court for arraignment on a drug possession charge earlier this month.
WOODBURY -- Authorities are looking for a Glassboro woman who failed to appear in court for arraignment on a drug possession charge earlier this month.
Khanaiah N. Sharp, 37, of East High Street, Glassboro, is sought for skipping a court date on a drug charge, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office. Khanaiah N. Sharp, 37, of East High Street, is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, 155 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. She also goes by the names Tanisha Bailey, Quiana Sharp and Jennae Williams, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.
On May 4 of this year, a Clayton police officer responded to Academy Street for a report of a motor vehicle crash and a driver fleeing the scene. A station wagon had struck a telephone pole, knocking part of the pole into the street. The car was empty, but police found a woman nearby who matched the description of the driver, authorities said.
MORE: Sewell man who skipped court sought
That woman, identified as Sharp, collapsed and was transported to a hospital. She was found in possession of suspected crack cocaine and a glass pipe used for inhaling narcotics.
A Gloucester County grand jury indicted Sharp in July on a charge of third-degree possession of cocaine and third-degree impairing a public service.
Anyone who knows Sharp's whereabouts should not attempt to apprehend her. Instead, contact the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office at 856-384-5643, GCPO Sgt. Ron Koller at 609-929-6348 or email tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.
Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
More Paterson cops under proposed budget, report says
Expanded force would still be far smaller than before 2011 layoffs
PATERSON -- Officials hope to increase the number of police officers to just over 400, a figure still well short of the 519 police on the force prior to layoffs four years ago, NorthJersey.com reported.
The proposed additional spending, about $5 million, would add 21 officers to the force's present 382 as well as provide raises for police. Money would also be set aside to increase the number of unarmed special police from 22 to 50 and the number of crossing guards from 104 to 142.
Officials said auxiliary personnel like crossing guards and special police are especially cost-effective because they lessen the demand for more expensive regular police at events like the Peruvian and Dominican day parades.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
Christie orders flags to be lowered in honor of Yogi Berra
Yankee legend and longtime Montclair resident died Tuesday
TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie has ordered all flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff Sept. 29 in honor of Yankee legend and longtime Montclair resident Yogi Berra, who died Tuesday at the age of 90.
RELATED: The 50 greatest Yogi-isms of all time
"Yogi Berra was a national treasure and a baseball legend. Yogi's achievements as a catcher, clutch hitter, manager and coach have inspired generations of ballplayers. His military service and his service to New Jersey, especially the sportsmanship programming he brought to the Little Falls museum that bears his name, are sterling examples of his citizenship," Christie said in a statement Friday.
A World War II veteran who took part in the invasion of Normandy, Berra joined the Yankees in 1946, kicking off a stellar career that included being named MVP three times, being part of 10 World Series victories as well as being named to 15 straight All Star games. He earned the record for most World Series hits during a playing career that spanned nearly two decades.
Berra was also a prolific if accidental wordsmith, coining now famous phrases like "It ain't over til it's over" and "When you get to the fork in the road, take it."
A memorial for Berra is planned at his namesake museum in Little Falls Oct. 4 from noon to 5 p.m.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
Thursday 24 September 2015
Corey Clark -- Sooo Creepy ... Wife Says He Stared Her Down For Hours
Former "American Idol" contestant Corey Clark gave his estranged wife a serious case of the creeps -- allegedly stalking her around town and staring her down for hours at a time. According to Clark's arrest report, there were several instances…
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The Do’s and Dont’s of Basement Storage
Whether you're packing away seasonal gear, or stockpiling a few extra home essentials, the basement is a natural storage spot. Because the basement is dark, cool, and roomy, it can be a perfect spot for storing certain items, especially those you won't often use. On the other hand, a basement that is prone to flooding, mold, or pests is no place to store heirlooms or valuables. That's why it takes a little planning to make the most of your basement storage and ensure that your belongings last for years to come. Say no to musty old shoeboxes filled with junk, and check out our do's and don'ts for proper basement storage. You don’t need to break the bank to get fabulous basement storage. All you need is a little imagination—and our handy guide!
Celebrate Fall with 11 Thrifty DIY Projects for the Home
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Wednesday 23 September 2015
2015 Pumpkin Carving Contest
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Tuesday 22 September 2015
'Manzo'd' with children's book: Chris Manzo to publish next year
The reality star's book will be called 'Oliver Brightside: You Don't Want That Penny'
From the man who brought you stripper car washes (okay, just the concept) and water that looks like it's been filtered through primordial tar comes the story of a little boy, a lucky penny and a whole lot of cross-marketing potential.
"Manzo'd With Children" star Chris Manzo, who revealed this season that he is turning his attention to writing children's books, will be publishing his first, "Oliver Brightside: You Don't Want That Penny," on March 15 for $16.95 via the independent publishing group All About Kids Publishing. Here's the synopsis:
Oliver Brightside thinks it s going to be another boring day until he finds a heads up penny and remembers the saying, Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you ll have good luck! Oliver's lucky find, not only takes him on a great adventure, but it leads him to something that is absolutely priceless!
"What I love most about this project is the fact that Christopher decided to follow his lifelong dream of writing and make it a reality," mom Caroline Manzo, the former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star, writes on her Bravotv.com blog.
-- Joe Williams-Nelson (@MovieCoachJoe) September 22, 2015
Vicki Hyman may be reached at vhyman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @vickihy. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.
Looking for more TV coverage? Check our new podcast TV Hangover with television critic Vicki Hyman and TV superfan Erin Medley:
TV HANGOVER, Ep. 2: Emmy Awards recap and new shows on TV this week
NJ.com TV critic Vicki Hyman and super fan Erin Medley, the new dynamic duo of TV coverage, recap Sunday night's Emmy Awards, which included a historic moment or two. The pair also see how they fared on their Emmy ballots and give us the lowdown on all the new shows for Sept. 21-27. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher.
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Police seeking man wanted for arson in Garfield
Teen allegedly tried to ignite home with 4 people inside
GARFIELD -- Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for an 18-year-old city man wanted for aggravated arson after he attempted to start a fire at a house with an infant and three other people inside, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.
Authorities say that Shakyl Ivy attempted to set 183 Palisade Ave. alight around 9:21 p.m. Sunday following a dispute. A resident of the home told police a group of teenagers had earlier congregated outside a home next door and were being noisy. When the tenant asked the youths to quiet down or leave, Ivy began to argue with the tenant, then made a threat and left, police said.
Shortly after, tenants told police they heard Ivy shout "this is my block," then saw Ivy attempt to start a fire. Ivy left before police arrived, the prosecutor's office said.
Arriving officers saw and smelled gasoline dumped around the front door, the prosecutor's office also said.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ivy is asked to contact the Garfield Police Department at 973-478-8500 or the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Confidential TIPS Line at 201-226-5532.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
Trenton Social hosts food truck festival (PHOTOS)
Thousands of people stopped by Trenton Social, a popular city restaurant, today to enjoy the Trenton Food Truck Festival, which featured nine tantalizing food trucks, a beer garden, and live entertainment.
TRENTON -- Thousands of people stopped by Trenton Social, a popular city restaurant, today to enjoy the Trenton Food Truck Festival, which featured nine tantalizing food trucks, a beer garden and live entertainment.
The festival, which ran from noon to 8 p.m. in the restaurant's parking lot, was stacked with various food trucks: Flying Crust (gourmet pizza and wings); Four Daughters Franks (gourmet hot dogs); Johnny's Pork Roll; Luigi's Homemade Ice Cream; My Four Suns (Korean cuisine); RUNA Peruvian Cuisine; Try Vegan; Twisted Biscuit (diner cuisine); and Smokin Chicks Got Wood BBQ. Live entertainment included a magician and musical performances by Charles Laurita and The Mischief, Thee Idea Men, Wenonah Brooks, The Polish Nannies, and many more.
"Everyone loves food and music, that's why this festival is so great," said Trenton Social owner T.C. Nelson. "This is a great day for our restaurant and our team here, other businesses and the community."
Nelson also said he was extremely excited to be holding the festival at his business.
"Huge outside events like this attract people from all over the region," Nelson said. "People from both the neighborhood and out of town come out. It's great exposure for our business and all of the food trucks that are here. It's just a really great day."
While admission to the family-friendly festival was $3 for adults, children 12 and under were free. The first 100 children in attendance received free toy trucks, courtesy of the N.J. Association of Relators.
"I don't know any kids that don't love food and music," said Nelson, who wanted the festival to appeal to the whole family. "We have a lot of entertainment here for the kids. There's something for everyone here."
If you missed out on today's food truck event and are looking for another, you won't have to wait long - the Capital City Food Truck Battle will be held tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Rho Waterfront, another popular city locale.
Tomorrow's event boasts over 15 food trucks, a beer garden, and live entertainment.
Rich Cuccagna may be reached at rcuccagna@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RichCuccagna. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.
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Lawmaker wants hearing on N.J. lottery shortfalls
The chairman of the New Jersey Assembly's budget committee said on Tuesday he will convene a hearing this fall into the private lottery operator that missed its revenue targets two years in a row.
TRENTON -- The chairman of the New Jersey Assembly's budget committee said Tuesday he will convene a hearing this fall into the private lottery operator that has missed its revenue targets two years in a row.
The company, Northstar New Jersey, fell $107 million short of its projections in the last fiscal year and $55 million short the year before, the first partial year on the contract.
"Rather than find ourselves next year in a similarly precarious position for the third time and let history repeat itself, we must take action now to better understand the clear and obvious failings of the Northstar contract," Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) said in a statement.
RELATED: Christie's gamble on privatizing the lottery goes bust | Editorial
Gov. Chris Christie signed the deal with Northstar in July 2013, making New Jersey the third state to hire a private firm to help run its lottery in hopes of boosting sales. Under the contract, Northstar took over sales and marketing.
It paid the state $120 million up front and promised to generate at least $1.42 billion more over the next 15 years. The group gets to keep a share of the increased profits.
Schaer similarly called for a review of the privatization contract last November after it was first reported the company missed its projections and had secured a contract amendment reducing its revenue goals four months into the deal.
The lottery is New Jersey's fourth-largest revenue source, generating money for scholarships, psychiatric hospitals, centers for the developmentally disabled and homes for disabled veterans.
Christopher Santarelli, a spokesman for the Treasury Department, said Northstar "is held accountable for its performance." The company was penalized in 2014 and will be again in 2015 if it misses its financial targets.
"As it does with any vendor, the New Jersey Lottery will always do what is in the best interests of its citizens and beneficiaries," he said.
Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
San Gennaro Festival: All-you-can-eat with 'Sopranos' Steve Schirripa Sept. 20
He'll be serving his sauce at Whole Foods Market in Marlboro
The guy who played mob enforcer Robert "Bobby Bacala" Baccalieri, Jr. on "The Sopranos" TV series will be at Whole Foods Market Marlboro tomorrow.
Steve Schirripa, who is also author of "The Goomba Diet: Living Large and Loving It," will be at the store tomorrow, Sunday Sept. 20 serving up his award-winning Uncle Steve's pasta sauce for the store's annual San Gennaro Festival.
The celebration includes a $7 all-you-can-eat feast, complete with authentic Italian specialties including Italian sausage, peppers and onion, local Severino Pasta, pizza, made to order cannoli, zeppolis and more. All can be purchased at the store.
Participating diners will get a wristband for access to the San Gennaro Festival feast, which runs from noon to 2pm in the cafe of Whole Foods Market at 113 Route 9 South Marlboro.
Get some of Schirripa's recipes and view his endorsed product line at UncleSteveNY.com.
San Gennaro celebrations are rooted in the memory of the Bishop Januarius of Naples, a martyr who was beheaded for his faith.
Body of unidentified man pulled from N.J. creek
Fire and rescue crews were on scene at Newton Lake in Oaklyn on Tuesday night and retrieved a body from the water.
OAKLYN -- Camden County authorities are investigating the death of a man whose body was pulled from Newton Creek in Oaklyn on Tuesday night.
According to a media release from the Camden County Prosecutor's office, the man is believed to have been a black male in his 30s and was found in the waterway by two fisherman at about 4:45 p.m.
The man's body was pulled from the water by members of the Collingswood Fire Department directly to the east of Route 30 between West Lakeview Avenue and Newton Lake Drive. Investigators are attempting to confirm his identity, the release stated.
MORE: Deaths have spiked on Delaware River, here's why
Passersby walking along Route 30 and who came from the CVS pharmacy across the street stopped to watch the police and fire activity, which wrapped up around 6:30 p.m.
Much of the activity was centered around a small bridge on the roadway that passes over the lake.
Authorities said an autopsy will be done Wednesday to determine how the man died, and are asking that anyone with information contact the Camden County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit Detective Michelle Chambers at 856-580-6070 or Oaklyn Police Detective Jayne James at 856-854-0049. Tips can be emailed to ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.
It's not the first time crews have retrieved a body from the lake in recent years, as a Rutgers-Camden student was found dead in his car that was submerged in the lake, and a woman who was possibly sleepwalking was pulled from the water. Both of those deaths occured in December of 2011.
Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
The sticky facts about sneaky sugars
Sussing out that hidden sweetness.
IN THE WORDS of Mary Poppins, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. This may be true, but a far more frightening truth about sugar is that, when eaten in large quantities, it can be a threat to your health. More sugar in your diet will not only lead to more trips to the dentist, but also increase your risk for diabetes and heart disease. We may be eating more than we realize because it is hidden in most foods we consume. Here is a look at the differences between types of sugars and the surprising places where you'll find hidden sweetness.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
There are two types of sugar. Naturally occuring sugar is found in whole unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables and dairy products, which deliver essential vitamins and minerals. The second type is added sugar, which is present in foods that you buy
already sweetened, or anything you put into your food as a sweetener. When you buy cookies or sugary breakfast cereals, you're aware they have added sweeteners. But you may not recognize there is added sugar in products such as bottled salad dressing, ketchup, crackers, frozen meals, fruit-flavored yogurt, and some breads and bagels. Sometimes, seemingly healthy products, such as granola, sports drinks and energy bars, contain sugar. Even natural sweeteners, such as honey and agave, are classified as added sugars.
DON'T BE FOOLED
It's unlikely any of us are overdosing on too many servings of fruits and vegetables, but it's another story when it comes to juices and smoothies. Ordering a fresh-pressed mix of greens at a local juice bar (made with whole fruits and vegetables; no added
sugar) is a good idea. You'll be getting practically a day's worth of produce, with tons of nutritional value. It's not the same as buying a pre-packaged bottle of green stuff with a healthy-sounding moniker. The label may read "no sugar added," but when browsing the ingredients list, you'll likely see that it's not all fruit but rather fruit juices with other natural flavors. And though a bottled juice appears to be low in calories, keep in mind that the number you're looking at is for just one serving. A bottle usually contains two or more servings.
LABEL LANGUAGE
Most packaged goods contain both naturally occurring and added sugars. Nutrition facts on a package clump them together in a combined total. This makes it difficult to figure out how much of each type you're getting. Checking the list of ingredients can give you a better idea about how much sugar is actually added to the product. The ingredients list displays contents in descending order, so the higher an ingredient is listed, the more it is contained in the product. And added sugars can go by many names, including fructose, maltose, corn syrup and cane juice, among others. Also, nutrition labels list sugar in grams, which makes it even harder to gauge how much you're eating. Here's an easy way to keep track: 1 teaspoon equals about 4 grams, so 10 grams of sugar is about 2 teaspoons. Recommended daily allowances for added sugar is 6 to 8 teaspoons.
Instantly lessen your sugar intake by eating mostly whole foods and avoiding packaged foods, soda and other sugary drinks.
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Doctor improperly touched female patient during exam, prosecutor says
Dr. Farooq Rehman is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact.
Dr. Farooq Rehman, 61, of Colts Neck, was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact. OLD BRIDGE -- A neurologist has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact after accusations that he improperly touched a female patient, according to the Middlesex County prosecutor's office.
Dr. Farooq Rehman, 61, was arrested Tuesday, police said. On Tuesday evening, Rehman was at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center on $100,000 bail.
Authorities allege that Rehman improperly touched the 37-year-old woman during examinations on Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 at Rehman's Old Bridge office. Police say the investigation began when woman contacted police.
Rehman lives in Colts Neck, according to a joint statement from Prosecutor Andrew Carey and Chief William Volkert of the Old Bridge Police Department.
Prosecutors asked anyone with information to contact Detective Michael Machen of the Old Bridge Police Department at (732) 721-5600, extension 3210, or Detective Abromaitis of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at (732) 745-3600.
Brian Amaral may be reached at bamaral@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bamaral44. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Hudson Dems slam Horizon plan as 'catastrophic'
A Horizon VP called the Dems' claims "preposterous."
JERSEY CITY -- Hudson County Democrats today blasted Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's planned partnership with 34 hospitals, saying it threatens the financial stability of the state's other 38 medical centers.
Five of those hospitals are in Hudson County, including Christ Hospital on Palisade Avenue, where Democrats met this afternoon to denounce the Horizon plan, set to go into effect next year.
They did not mince words.
It would be "catastrophic," said Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop.
It would lead to "unbearable" cost increases, said state Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, of Secaucus.
It's a "dirty, underhanded trick," said Freeholder Anthony Romano, of Hoboken.
Horizon, the state's largest insurer, announced on Sept. 10 that it plans to offer lower-priced policies that would offer discounts for patients at 34 selected hospitals. The intent, Horizon says, is to move away from a "fee for service" model and move to a model that rewards quality service, but today Prieto said he doubts what the company is saying.
"A lot of times when I see something that looks too good to be true, sometimes it is," Prieto said.
Minal Patel, a medical doctor and a Horizon senior vice president and chief strategy officer, told The Jersey Journal that the Democrats' allegations are the result of misinformation.
"The notion that this is going to decimate the health-care infrastructure in Hudson County is preposterous," Patel said.
Horizon's plan works like this: there will be a "tier one" of 34 hospitals where patients in the plan would save money on premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Horizon customers would still be able to go to the "tier two" hospitals, but the out-of-pocket discounts would not be available there. Every hospital in Hudson County currently in Horizon's managed care network, except Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health, would be in the second tier.
Democrats warned today of two consequences of the Horizon plan: patients would flock to tier one medical centers to get a better deal, leading to financial problems for tier two hospitals; or patients who aren't that mobile would face higher costs at tier two hospitals.
Patel said the Democrats are wrong. Patients would indeed see lower costs at the tier one hospitals but premiums all around would be lower, so the costs for patients visiting tier two hospitals would be "essentially the same" as costs are now, he said.
Patel added that the new plan is voluntary, and that it would likely take 10 years or more for a significant portion of 3.8 million of Horizon's customers to move into it.
There is a hearing scheduled in front of the state Senate on Oct. 5 to discuss Horizon's plan.
Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
WATCH: Menendez rips into Trump on immigration
U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez became the latest critic to lash into Donald Trump's controversial plan to combat illegal immigration, saying the Republican presidential frontrunner's proposals will never be put into action
TRENTON -- U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez became the latest critic to lash into Donald Trump's controversial plan to combat illegal immigration, saying the Republican presidential frontrunner's proposals will never be put into action.
"Let me say now: There will be no Berlin-style walls to divide us," Menendez (D-N.J.) said during a speech Sunday celebrating the sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Month at his alma mater, Union City High School, according to video posted by local news outlet Hudson County View.
"There will be no mass deportations," he added, drawing loud applause from the crowd. "There will be no denying our United States-born citizens to their constitutionally protected rights. Not now, not ever."
Menendez, the son of Cuban immigrants, did not call out Trump by name. But his comments were clearly criticizing the real estate mogul's call to deport the more than 11 million immigrants living without authorization in the U.S., build a wall across the country's border with Mexico, and end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to unauthorized immigrants.
RELATED: The key points of Donald Trump's immigration plan
Menendez added that "we've hit a new low" in the race for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, "with extraordinarily hateful rhetoric that diminishes Latino contributions and demonizes our community."
He even used Trump's campaign slogan -- "Make America Great Again" -- to praise Latinos and people of other heritages for their contributions to the U.S.
"We are here to celebrate who we are, what we have given, what we have sacrificed, and what we have contributed actually, in reality, to make American great again," the senator said. "Not just as an empty political slogan or a bumper-sticker proclamation, but as a people."
Trump, a former Atlantic City casino magnate, has stressed that illegal immigration is hurting the U.S.'s economy and job market and has said the nation needs a new system for accepting immigrants. He said he will work out a plan to allow the "good" immigrants to come back into the country after they've been deported.
But he has also drawn fire for saying that "rapists" and "killers" are entering the U.S. illegally from Mexico. And critics have noted that his deportation plan will cost billions of dollars.
Despite the controversy, Trump continues to lead his rivals for the GOP nod -- including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie -- in the polls.
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Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
Christie celebrates anniversary of task force fighting drug addiction
Declaring nothing makes him prouder than his work battling drug addiction in the state, Gov. Chris Christie touted the success Tuesday of a task force he created a year ago to combat addiction and promsied to do more in the future during the rest of his time as governor. Watch video
PATERSON -- Declaring nothing makes him prouder than his work battling drug addiction in the state, Gov. Chris Christie touted the success Tuesday of a task force he created a year ago to combat addiction and promised to do more in the future during the rest of his time as governor.
Christie, speaking at the Barnert Medical Arts Complex in Paterson, said battling drug addiction and the stigma that's associated with its casualties is "the noblest thing" people in positions of power can do, arguing the public needs "to know this is not a moral failing."
Drug addiction is "a mistake in judgment," he added.
The Facing Addiction Task Force developed the Recovery Coaches Program, which provides "immediate response" to people who survived overdoses from opioids. According to the governor's office, the program will receive $1.3 million from the state and will begin serving in regions heavily impacted by addiction and overdose.
RELATED: Christie establishes task force to combat drug addiction
Also, the task force established the Reentry Cooperation Program, helping ex-offenders battling addiction receive support.
"Nothing makes me prouder than this," Christie said. "Nothing is more important to me, personally, than this."
The governor described the importance of removing the stigma from drug addition.
"It is a disease, not a moral failing," he said. "There's no one in this room who hasn't made a mistake, or a bad judgment in their lives"
Christie announced the creation of the task force during a public event in Trenton on Oct. 9, 2014. At the time, he tasked the group with finding ways to reduce the stigma of addiction, provide recommendations for strengthening treatment and developing prevention strategies.
"We need to continue to make change and deal with addiction differently in our state," said Christie when he appeared at the Catholic Charities' Project Free program. "Everyone deserves a second chance of making their lives exactly what they want them be."
Former Gov. Jim McGreevey, the task force's co-chairman, praised Christie for his work with battling drug addiction in the state.
"I humbly believe that no governor is the state has done more to address the scourge of addiction in New Jersey than Gov. Christie," McGreevey said. "I can't thank the governor more profusely."
Other members of the task force included its co-chairman Rev. Joe Carter, pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, and Ray Lucas, a former New York Jets quarterback and Addiction Peer Counselor for the PAST Retired Athletes Medical Group.
Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook. Follow NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
Girl, 13, hit by SUV in Willingboro, report says
Child was briefly dragged under vehicle Monday
WILLINGBORO -- A 13-year-old girl was hit by an SUV and dragged a short distance as she crossed Rt. 130 near Levitt Parkway Monday, the Burlington County Times reported.
The girl, who was struck around 5:30 p.m., was flown to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Her condition was not immediately known.
No charges have been filed and the incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is being asked to call police at 609-877-3001 or 609-877-6958.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
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