An abbreviated Roundup today while we’re juggling paid work and some travel, but you will probably want to read this story about a developer looking to bring a recording studio (and offices) back to the Camden building where the Victor Talking Machine Co made musical history. You might also want to cast your eye over this story on how the wind power industry in NJ is trying to pivot (with a spotlight on the planned project not far from Atlantic City), plus read the latest on the AC Democrats’ plan to bring charges against Mayor Frank Gilliam.
Read all the rest of the headlines below:
Is Flu Season On The Decline? Experts Hope So–If you feel like flu season is a never-ending cycle of sick children, parents, co-workers, friends, neighbors and family, behold — the end is in sight (sort of). State and local health experts say the number of flu cases seems to be declining for the past two weeks, but they warn residents this harsh season could still bring illness in the form of other flu strains in the first few weeks of spring. www.pressofatlanticcity.com
Atlantic City Library Starts Books In Barbershops Program–In an effort to promote youth literacy in the city, the public library started a program that's bringing books to barbershops. The program, called "Fade to Books," is an effort that's getting children under the age of 12 to focus on reading while waiting for a haircut, said Wendell Cherry, a reference librarian and director of the program. www.pressofatlanticcity.com
Record Broken In South Jersey As We Turn Away From Nor’easter–South Jersey broke the record for the wettest March 7 on record on a day that brought driving rain, whiteout conditions and coastal flooding to the region. The old record of 1.65 inches of rain or melted snow set in 2008 was broken with 2.11 inches on Wednesday's system. www.pressofatlanticcity.com
Body Found In Atlantic City Bay–Atlantic City police are waiting on the medical examiner to help identify a body found in the bay Tuesday night. The body was found in the water's edge off Arizona Avenue at 5:11 pm, Sgt Kevin Fair said. breakingac.com
Two Men Arrested, Guns Recovered In Armed Atlantic City Home Invasion–Two men were arrested and two loaded weapons recovered just after an armed home invasion early Wednesday morning. breakingac.com
Putting The Brakes On Dirt Bikes And All-Terrain Vehicles–State lawmakers are looking to crack down on all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes in New Jersey, which have been accused of destroying the environment, causing traffic hazards, and aiding criminals. The latest effort to impose restrictions comes from Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro (D-Gloucester), who introduced legislation this session that would allow law enforcement agencies to seize and impound all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes used to commit crimes involving guns, prostitution, or drug sales/possession. www.njspotlight.com
NJ Could Be Second State To Enact Individual Mandate–New Jersey could become the second state in the nation, after Massachusetts, to assess an income tax penalty on residents who are financially able, but fail to obtain health insurance, under a bill designed to replace what was once a federal mandate. www.njspotlight.com
Kean Jr Pushes For NJ Tax Write-Off For Charitable Contributions–Concerns are running high among nonprofit organizations that new federal tax policies could influence the flow of charitable contributions in New Jersey, and those fears may give lawmakers reason to take a new look at long-stalled legislation that would establish a state tax incentive for charitable giving. www.njspotlight.com
Ocean County Teacher Hit By Lightning During Storm–A 33-year-old middle school teacher suffered non-life-threatening injuries when she was struck by lightning Wednesday afternoon in Ocean County, police said. The woman was performing bus duty at the end of the school day at Manchester Middle School in Manchester Township when lightning struck the umbrella she was holding, police said. www.philly.com