AC Firefighters
Atlantic City’s firefighters’ union – so far the only organization to challenge the state’s takeover of the casino resort town – on Thursday filed a brief in federal court, where a judge has the task of deciding whether to hear the case or send it back to a state court. The state’s move to have the case heard in federal court could draw out the litigation and increase expenses for both sides. The union urged the federal judge not to allow the state to “abuse the court system in order to frustrate plaintiffs’ ability to challenge the defendants’ unlawful actions.” Reporting by Amy Rosenberg of the Philadelphia Inquirer here.
Healthcare
Two healthcare stories today, both via NJ Spotlight. First is the news that this year more people in New Jersey bought health insurance through the Affordable Care Act healthcare exchange. The second is a Sen. Sweeney project to reduce the cost of public employees’ healthcare by giving them free primary care. It sounds a little too good to be true, but maybe it makes sense – the idea is that if you encourage people to get early treatment for health problems, you can prevent more costly treatment down the line. Here’s that story.
Obituaries
Two Atlantic County characters died this week. Barman Wes Moore was dubbed “A Legend Behind Charlie’s Bar” by The Press of Atlantic City, which noted that he had both a sandwich and drink named after him at the Somers Point spot. Former Atlantic County prosecutor Ted Housel, who had returned to private practice after the end of his term in 2012, also died this week. “No matter what side he was on, Ted was always a strong advocate and extremely passionate about the rule of law,” Atlantic City defense attorney James Leonard Jr told Lynda Cohen for Breaking AC.
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The rest of today’s news includes the most popular last names in Atlantic County (an amazing testament to this area’s diversity), Ventnor’s struggle to figure out how best to regulate events, and Garth Brooks on an upcoming Philly show and his thoughts on a possible AC beach concert (not if it is snowing, he said). All that and more below:
Wes Moore, a Legend Behind Charlie’s Bar, Dies–Wes Moore, an institution at Somers Point’s Charlie’s Bar for almost four decades, died this week at 60. Jim Thomas, a fourth-generation family owner at the bar, said Moore was such a fixture at Charlie’s that he had both a drink and a sandwich named in his honor.
Atlantic City Fire Captain Sends Would-Be Burglar to Hospital–A firefighter came home to find his front door open and an alleged burglar inside Wednesday afternoon, and what happened next sent the suspect to the hospital. Press of Atlantic City
Hammonton Police Holds T-Shirt Fundraiser for K-9 Unit–A t-shirt fundraiser is helping the Hammonton Police Department maintain their round the clock K-9 unit. The Hammonton Police K-9 Unit is currently selling t-shirts to help raise money for specialized equipment, dog food, and training. www.snjtoday.com
The Most Popular Last Names in Atlantic County–We all know that Smith and Williams are pretty common last names wherever you go. But, have you ever wondered which last names are the most common in Atlantic County? SoJO 104.9
Former Atlantic County Prosecutor Housel has died–Former Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel has died, aged 63.The longtime defense attorney had returned to private practice after resigning at the end of his term in June 2012. BreakingAC
Exhibit on Black Cowboys, Buffalo Soldiers Gets Reception at Noyes–In celebration of Black History Month, the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey is holding a reception for "Black Cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers" at Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City on Friday from 5 to 8 pm. The exhibit is curated by Kimball Baker, who will be present at the reception, said Ralph Hunter, president of the museum. Press of Atlantic City
Garden State Farmers Gather at Annual Convention–New Jersey's nickname is the Garden State and this week farmers from all over the state are coming to Atlantic City this week to discuss issues that are most important to them. The state Agricultural Convention is being held this week at Harrah's Convention Center where farmers discuss the challenges they face in their industry. www.snjtoday.com
Stockton Helps Raise Nearly $60,000 for Charities–Over the past year, Stockton University employees joined forces to give back to the community, and together they raised nearly $60,000. Over 200 members of the faculty and staff set a new record for themselves, raising $57,517 for local, state, national, and international charities as part of the 2016 New Jersey Employees Charitable Campaign or NJECC. www.snjtoday.com
Garth Brooks Talks Philly Show, Atlantic City Beach, and Answers Your Questions–Garth Brooks was the guest on the Cat Country Morning Show today. You can listen to the interview right here. Cat Country 107.3
Can NJ Colleges Deliver ‘Income Mobility’ to Poor Students?–More than two-thirds of New Jersey colleges are better than average at helping low-income students earn high wages as adults, according to a study of college mobility. www.njspotlight.com
Op-Ed: Fierce Urgency of Getting Veterans’ Diversion Right in New Jersey–There is a debate going on in Trenton right now about the establishment of a veterans’ diversionary program, through which certain veterans can avoid the risk of criminal conviction by choosing an alternative, rehabilitative path to jail, the loss of employability, and, too frequently, such horrors as homelessness and the devastating consequences of substance abuse and suicide. www.njspotlight.com
Despite Concerns Over Future of ACA, More NJ Residents Enrolled This Year–Early reports suggest that even more New Jersey residents signed up for insurance policies governed by the Affordable Care Act in recent months than in the same period last year, despite federal efforts to diminish enrollment and amid growing uncertainty over the future of the landmark law. www.njspotlight.com
Ventnor recreation board grapples with special event regulation–VENTNOR – The recreation board is considering whether it is the appropriate authority to review certain special events not held on the boardwalk, city parks or other public property. Shore News Today
A black woman conquered Atlantic City through hair in the 1920s. A new film tells her story–ATLANTIC CITY — Sara Spencer Washington was "extremely famous" in her time, her grandnephew recalls. The logo of the black women's hair care and cosmetics company she created, Apex, was like the Nike Swoosh of its day. Philly.com
A.C. Firefighters: state using ‘delay and intimidation’ to avoid court date–The union representing Atlantic City Fire Fighters says the state is resorting to "delay and intimidation" to avoid a date in state court that could block them from unilaterally imposing contract changes. Philly.com
ACHS students share solutions for local and global problems–ATLANTIC CITY — Priyanka Shah remembers playing on the Kingston Avenue playground as a young child. Press of Atlantic City