U.S. News

Former Jackson Memorial Football Coach Jailed for Stealing Student Funds in Mount Holly

MOUNT HOLLY TWP. — A former teacher and football coach was sentenced to 90 days in jail Wednesday for stealing Willingboro student funds to feed his alleged gambling addiction. Reginald “Reggie” Lawrence, 47, of Mount Laurel, was also sentenced in Burlington County Superior Court to two years probation. Court Administrator Donna Mazzanti said Judge Christopher Garrenger…

Christie Discusses Guadagno Campaign Run During NJ101.5 Interview

Governor Chris Christie opens up about his Lt. Governor, Kim Guadagno regarding her run for office.  While he wouldn’t endorse her, Christie praised Guadagno’s work as Lt. Governor, but said the pressures of being Governor are much different than those of the Lt. Governor.

Although the radio station touted the headline as “Christie Does Not Endorse Guadagno for Governor”, Christie said his party is facing a contested primary and as head of the party won’t get involved in the political process of endorsements and taking sides.

Portland Police Cheered by Residents for Breaking Up Protest

PORTLAND, OR-It seems even in a liberal leaning Oregon ordinary residents are tired of the snowflake generation disrupting their lives with meaningless protests.  On Wednesday, police rush a group of protesters blocking traffic with lightning speed and precision.  Onlookers cheered and thanked the police for quickly quelling the disturbance.

https://www.facebook.com/fox12oregon/videos/10155066468878701/

Sierra Club: Joint Base Chemicals Linked to ADHD in Children

The following is a press release submitted by Jeff Tittel, NJ Sierra Club

TRENTON-In August, the US Department of Defense (DOD) hired a company to begin testing the groundwater at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. They tested 21 sites on the base to determine the extent of perfluorinated compound contamination from perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The contamination may have come from firefighting foam for military use. Now that contamination has been found off-base, in a surrounding community.

“Now we know that the PFO and PFOA contamination is more pervasive and being found in communities off-base. This is a very serious and systemic problem that needs to be dealt with. These PFOs come from substances such as firefighting foam and can seep into groundwater, both on the base and off it. They made the mess and now they have to clean it up and protect the communities around the Base,” said Jeff Tittel, New Jersey Sierra Club Director. “Putting the SRL Pipeline through this area will only make things worse.”

PFOA is a carcinogen that has been linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children. A report published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows a relationship between slightly elevated levels of PFOA in the blood and a higher rate of ADHD diagnosis. The incidence of ADHD in children is rising and so is the amount of PFOA in the water supply. PFOA is found in many wells in New Jersey, especially in South Jersey near the DuPont site, but also in other parts of the state such as Sayerville. The current standard for PFOA in drinking water is 150 times what is recommended.

“The DOD needs to clean up this mess and the NJDEP needs to recognize the problem of PFOAs and set standards to prevent these things from happenings. These chemicals are harmful, especially to children. We have seen PFOAs show up too often in our waterways yet the DEP has not set any standards to fix this problem. New Jersey needs to move to adopt stricter regulations for PFOA in our drinking water,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

News 12's Amazing Photo of the Surf Club Unearthed by the Nor'easter

News 12’s Karla Bardinas took this shot on Tuesday at the site of the former Joey Harrison’s Surf Club in Ortley Beach.  The passing nor’easter exposed the few feet of sand on top of the rubble of the club, destroyed during Superstorm Sandy and covered by with sand.

Cover photo: Joey Harrison’s Surf Club as it appeared in November of 2012, after being destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.

Local Officials Silent on Joint Base Water Testing

JACKSON-As Joint Base MDL officials go door to door in Jackson Township trying collecting water samples from residents to see if their private wells have been contaminated by fire retarding chemicals used on the base for over 30 years, officials in Jackson Township are silent on the matter.

The Township council did not provide any further details on the water testing and the issue was not brought up by any residents.

Related stories:

Clean drinking water to be made available for residents with contaminated…

Military to go Door to Door to Ask Residents for Well Water Samples

Did Joint Base Fire Operations Contaminate Jackson Drinking Water? Base Officials…

Township Billboard Enterprise Back on the Table in Jackson

JACKSON-In 2009, Jackson Township’s elected officials expressed a desire to build billboards along Interstate 195 to generate revenue for the municipality, but that initiative never really left the ground.

At the January 24th council meeting, Council President Ken Bressi attempted to resurrect the 8 year old plan and asked township attorney Jean Cipriani to again look into the legal ramifications of a township run monopoly on advertising billboards.

Councilman Ken Bressi was lukewarm to the idea.

“I went through a list of stuff that we have concerns for and that if we’re even going to look at this, we have to get all that data,” Council President Ken Bressi said.  “I’d like to see how my peers feel about it…and make some decisions on it.”

“Where do you want them permitted? Only on public land, on certain roads, on certain sections of roads, absolutely we can do it,” Cipriani told the council.  “But in terms of the size, if you’re going to keep that size, you have to think about where it makes sense to have them and the proximity you would allow them to be in.”

Under the original plan, only the township would be allowed to install and build billboards and only on township property.  Bressi wanted to know how to keep private landowners between township owned lots from building their own billboards.

“What if the township as lot A and H, what if somebody has one in the middle, can we stop them from doing it?” Bressi asked.  “That’s why I went through all these questions with counsel and what kind of revenue they can bring in.”

The township seeks to enact spot zoning that would allow billboards only on lots owned by the township, which would require a change to those lots in the existing master plan.

The township owns 3 or 4 lots along the I-195 corridor according to Township Clerk Eden.

“I know the original concept was on township properties, I’d like to follow through with that,” Councilman Nixon said.  “We might want to ensure that what we’re doing and the advice to what is spot zoning and what isn’t.”

The then Democrat majority council didn’t support the billboard plan in 2009.

Former councilman Howard Tillis said at the time, he drove from Belmar to Jackson along I-195 through Jackson’s exit 21 and he didn’t see any billboards.

“I see it as roadside graffiti,” Tillis told the council in 2009.

The council felt the township should be the only ones in the billboard market because, “Nobody wants to drive down 195 and see wall-to-wall billboards.”

“This issue is certainly a positive to the township from a revenue perspective and as an economic development driver as we look to the expansion off the 195 corridor and what could ultimately occur in the six flags area as they continue their success, hopefully in the future…I think there’s some value in us proceeding in the near future on it.”

Billboards have come up several times over the years as a way for Jackson Township to generate additional revenue.

Residents over the years have also had mixed opinions on the billboard experiment. According to OutdoorBillboard.com, the going rates for monthly advertising per billboard on I-195 can bring in anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per month, not including cost to purchase and install the billboards or maintenance or other costs the township would need to invest in, including marketing material, graphic design, engineering, customer management services and other expenses involved in operating a billboard business.

The township has yet to release any financial plan or analysis on such an enterprise.

The topic is expected to be addressed again at the next meeting on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14th.

Photo: Google Maps billboard in nearby Millstone Twp.

Council Members to Sit in at Future Meet the Mayor Sessions

JACKSON-The Jackson Township council on Tuesday said they will begin providing oversight at Mayor Michael Reina’s  monthly “Meet the Mayor” sessions where he meets in a group setting with residents who may have concerns about township activities or who just want to come out and meet the mayor at town hall.

“I think it’s important that residents that come with administrative concerns, I’d like to see, as a concerned resident myself, I’d like to be in the audience to make sure that they follow up in the proper venue and they take their concerns to the mayor,” said Councilwoman Ann Updegrave.

Council President Ken Bressi gave the oversight a green light.

“I did speak to the mayor on that and he will be extending invitations to council members,” Bressi said. “And there will be no more than two of them, we are aware of that.”

“Riiight, no more than two,” Clerk Ann Marie Eden said.

The comment was in reference to a caucus meeting where some residents objected to the entire township governing body meeting in private in December for a political caucus meeting.  Although allowed by law, that caucus meeting raised more than a few eyebrows in the township.

By law, no more than two council members may meet together at the same time to discuss township agenda or policies under New Jersey’s sunshine laws that prohibit the majority of a public body to meet in private.

In checking with past notices for meet the mayor sessions, nothing suggests council members have ever not been permitted to attend.

Updegrave is currently serving her second year of her existing four year term.

The next meet the mayor session is scheduled for Monday, January 30th.

 

 

 

 

 

Trump Discussed Stronger Partnership with India's Prime Minister

During a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Trump emphasized that the United States considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world.  The two discussed opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India in broad areas such as the economy and defense. They also discussed security in the region of South and Central Asia.  President Trump and Prime Minister Modi resolved that the United States and India stand shoulder to shoulder in the global fight against terrorism.  President Trump looked forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in the United States later this year.

Trump Executive Order Green Lights Keystone XL Pipeline

WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald J. Trump today signed a series of Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda in keeping with his promise to reduce the burden of regulations and expedite high priority energy and infrastructure projects that will create jobs and increase national security.

Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline

With this Presidential Memorandum, President Trump will help fulfill the campaign promise of initiating the process for approving the Keystone XL Pipeline.

The Keystone XL Pipeline is an 1,100-mile crude oil pipeline to connect oil production in Alberta, Canada to refineries in the United States.

Construction and operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline, as well as oil production and refining activities related to it, would create tens of thousands of jobs for American workers, enhance our nation’s energy security, support affordable and reliable energy for American families, and generate significant State and local tax revenues that can be invested in schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline

With this Presidential Memorandum, President Trump directed the relevant Federal agencies (including the Army Corps of Engineers) to expedite reviews and approvals for the remaining portions of the Dakota Access Pipeline., a $3.8 billion, 1,100-mile pipeline designed to carry around 500,000 barrels per day of crude oil from the Bakken and Three Forks oil production areas in North Dakota to oil markets in the U.S.

At this time, DAPL is more than 90% complete across its entire route.  Only a limited stretch of the project is not yet constructed. Timely review and approval of energy pipelines is critical to a strong economy, energy independence, and national security.

Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of American Pipelines

In keeping with his commitment to “Buy American, Hire American”, President Trump directed the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with all relevant executive departments and agencies, to develop a plan under which all new pipelines, as well as retrofitted, repaired, or expanded pipelines, inside the borders of the United States, including portions of pipelines, use materials and equipment produced in the United States, to the maximum extent possible and to the extent permitted by law.  The Secretary shall submit the plan to the President within 180 days of the date of this memorandum.

Presidential Memorandum Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing

With this Presidential Memorandum, President Trump helps fulfill the campaign promise of boosting domestic manufacturing by determining a plan of action for expediting approvals for manufacturing and reducing regulatory burdens.

Under this Presidential Memorandum, the Secretary of Commerce will conduct outreach to stakeholders and solicit comments from the public concerning Federal actions to streamline permitting and reduce regulatory burdens affecting domestic manufacturers.

The Commerce Secretary will submit a report to the President identifying recommendations to streamline Federal permitting processes for domestic manufacturing and to reduce regulatory burdens affecting domestic manufacturers. The report should identify priority actions as well as recommended deadlines for completing actions.

Executive Order Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals For High Priority Infrastructure Projects

With this Executive Order, President Trump will establish a framework for expediting environmental reviews for high priority infrastructure projects.

Delays and other inefficiencies in the environmental review and permitting process are severely impeding critically important projects to rebuild and modernize our nation’s infrastructure, such as highways, bridges, tunnels, the electrical grid, ports, water systems, airports, railways and pipelines.

According to one study, our antiquated power rigs wastes the equivalent of 200 coal-fired power plants, water pipes leak trillions of gallons of water, and gridlock on roads and railroads wastes hundreds of billions annually.

After Mistreatment by Media, White House Responds to Criticism of First Family's Children

WASHINGTON, DC-While the Trump family has provided America with a stunning and personal insight into the daily life of the first family like no first family before them, some in the media have used the opportunity to criticize them, some even mock them and their children.

Today, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer reminded the global news media that historically, children and grandchildren of Presidents have been allowed to grow up free of the intense and often scrutinous media spotlight that is always on the first family

“It is a longstanding tradition that the children of Presidents are afforded the opportunity to grow up outside of the political spotlight. The White House fully expects this tradition to continue. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.”

In less than his first week in office, President Donald Trump and his family have given America a behind the scenes tour of not only the first family, but the White House, Washington, DC and the American political process unrivaled by an of his predecessors.

It has been an insight appreciated by most Americans.

Some intimate White House moments were shared with the public, normally never shared outside the walls of the White House.  How cool is it to go have pancakes at Grandpa’s house…The White House?

The Trump family has also let America in on the more mundane aspects of life in the White House, such as having to watch grandpa do stuff that is pretty darn exciting, but, really, grandpa? Enough with the pen and the cameras already.  This great moment of young Tristan Trump is a photo that will be remembered for a very long time.   Little did he know at the time, he upstaged the President of the United States in this photo.

And how cool is it to see inside the infamous White House bowling alley?

https://www.facebook.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/videos/1454824811208942/

But for all the good, there has been too much bad.  Some Trump opponents have shown no mercy when it comes to the children of the first family.  They say one person can spoil a good thing for the rest of us, but we are confident the Trump family will be stronger than the hate that boils over from America’s left and at least one news organization absolutely supports the Trump family’s position on the media and the first family’s children.

The media should respect the first family’s children as they have done for all presidents prior to Trump.

 

Toms River Dune Update: Replenishment to begin Thursday

ORTLEY BEACH-After losing nearly 75% of the community’s dune and sand berm protection in this week’s passing nor’easter, the township announced replenishment efforts will begin on Thursday.

“Our Engineering Department says Cardinal Construction will be importing sand starting this Thursday to shore up the dunes in Ortley Beach and Normandy Beach,” the department said in a release.

 

Toms River's POW/MIA Chair of Honor Dedicated

by Toms River Township

TOMS RIVER-A “POW/MIA Chair of Honor” was dedicated today in a ceremony at Toms River Town Hall.

Mayor Thomas Kelaher, Bob Smyth from Congressman Tom MacArthur’s office, members of the Toms River Veterans Commission, American Legion Post 129 and Rolling Thunder NJ Chapter 2 were among those in attendance.

POW/MIA Chair of Honor Program is intended to support POW/MIAChairofHonor.org’s main mission by bringing daily reminders of the POW/MIA issue to towns across the nation. A POW/MIA chair in any location is to remain perpetually empty to help people remember that even though our soldiers are not here, there is still a space for them.

Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher stated, “This empty seat will serve as a constant reminder of all the sacrifices made for our country by soldiers who were held prisoner of war or were listed as Missing in Action and whose remains have not been recovered.”

Since World War I, more than 91,000 service members are unaccounted for. The chair and related items were donated by the Rolling Thunder NJ Chapter 2 and are now on display in the main lobby of Town Hall.

Toms river's pow/mia chair of honor dedicated - photo licensed by shore news network.

South Seaside Park Dune System No Match for Nor'easter

BERKELEY TWP-They saved South Seaside Park from the brunt of the Atlantic Ocean’s surge during Superstorm Sandy and the recent nor’easter that passed through the state Sunday and Monday were no match for them either.

The dune system in South Seaside Park did their job this week. They protected the coastal residents in this small oceanfront community between Seaside Park and Island Beach State Park.

While some areas, including Ortley beach suffered as much as 75% loss of their dune berm system during the storm, the South Seaside Park system fared well.

“Thanks to our public works, parks department and beach staff, I’m pleased our dune system once again provided protection for our residents in South Seaside Park,” said Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato.

South seaside park dune system no match for nor'easter - photo licensed by shore news network.

Berkeley Mayor Credits Township Workers for Speedy Cleanup After Nor'easter

BERKELEY-Berkeley Township, according to many published reports this week had nearly 3 inches of rain during the recent passing Nor’easter. It was the highest total rainfall amount of any town in New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service.

High winds brought down trees across the municipality over the two day storm, but today, Mayor Carmen Amato announced that by noon Monday, all of the roads had been cleared by township workers.

“As of noon, Monday we had some minor flooding in the back bay areas,” Amato said. “Three trees were knocked down and our parks and recreation department had quickly cleared them.”

Amato also thanked the township’s police officers, first responders and OEM services for their efforts during the storm.

Berkeley mayor credits township workers for speedy cleanup after nor'easter - photo licensed by shore news network.Berkeley mayor credits township workers for speedy cleanup after nor'easter - photo licensed by shore news network.

Lacey Police and Fire Department Honored for Saving Woman’s Life

by Chief Michael DiBella, LaceyPD

LACEY-On Tuesday evening, January 17, 2017, the Lacey Township Board of Education honored Police Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, along with Forked River Firefighter Edward Barker, Jr., for saving an elderly woman from her burning home November 25, 2016. During the Lacey School Board meeting, High School Principal Greg Brandis spoke about the incident and honored all three alumni for their actions, providing each with a certificate.  Several officers from the Lacey Township Police Department, along with members of the Forked River Fire Department, Mayor Peter Curatolo and Committeeman Gary Quinn were present. Officer Sarno graduated in 2003, Officer Meyler in 2007, and Edward Barker, Jr in 2010.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 25, 2016, at 12:09 a.m. Officers Christopher Meyler, Anthony Sarno, and Julie Barcalow responded to the 1800 block of Serpentine Drive in Forked River, in regard to a fire alarm. The fire alarm notification was followed by a second call, from a neighbor reporting heavy smoke coming from the residence. Upon Officer Meyler’s arrival, he observed a large concentration of flames coming from the rear of the ranch-style home. Officer Meyler located two adult female occupants (visitors from Massachusetts), who advised that they were able to exit from the fire, however, the 81-year-old female homeowner was still inside. Officer Meyler soon discovered the woman was trapped inside the attached garage. Officer Meyler broke an exterior garage window and entered inside in an attempt to reach the homeowner.  Officers Julie Barcalow, Anthony Sarno, and Scott Keefe arrived on scene to assist.  Officer Sarno entered the garage, along with two Forked River Volunteer Firemen, Rob Anderson and Edward Barker, Jr.   The four of them were able to successfully transfer the woman homeowner outside through the garage window.  The homeowner, and the two female visitors from Massachusetts, ages 64 and 35, were transported to Community Medical Center for smoke inhalation.  Officers Meyler and Sarno were also taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

In addition to Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, both Officers Julie Barcalow and Scott Keefe were recognized on December 9, 2016, by Chief Michael C. DiBella for their actions involving the November 25, 2016 fire. In addition, I would like to acknowledge that Forked River Firefighter Rob Anderson was as instrumental as all in saving the woman’s life. Furthermore, I need to acknowledge Forked River Fire Chief Raymond Brandmahl for his actions November 25, 2016.

I would like to thank the Lacey Township Board of Education for taking the time to honor the involved police officers and firefighters. Additionally, I would like to once again honor all of the involved police officers and firefighters who helped save this woman’s life back on November 25, 2016. In addition to our officers, our Emergency Services Personnel are truly an asset to Lacey Township and I thank them.

The below photos depict the certificates provided by the Lacey Township High School to Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler.

Report: Lacey, Stafford, Lakewood and Toms River lead Ocean County in Tax Hikes

TRENTON-A report by New Jersey 101.5 shows that tax rates in Lacey Township, Stafford Township, Toms River and Lakewood far out paced their neighbors in 2016. The report shows Lacey Township with a 4.9% increase, more than double the state cap imposed by Governor Chris Christie.

Stafford Township saw a 5.4% increase, Lakewood residents saw a 5.1% increase and in Toms River the increase was 5.3%, blamed mostly on the loss of tax ratables from the barrier island in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

Toms River Township’s barrier island community of Ortley Beach was ground zero for the devastating storm that obliterated entire neighborhoods, many still trying to rebuild.

The least impacted tax rate of a large town in the county was felt in Jackson Township where the administration of Mayor Michael Reina (R) kept the rate down to 1.90%, despite already having the highest tax rate amongst the larger municipalities in the county after years of excessive tax increases in prior administrations.

In Brick, Ocean County’s only “blue” or Democrat controlled township, the 2016 tax increase was 3.01%, 1.01% above the state’s 2% property tax cap.

Photo: Gary Quinn, Lacey Township committeeman and a former mayor of the small township of Lacey where the average tax increase for families was over $500 per year.

You can read NJ101.5’s full report here.

Fake News Flashback: Huffington Post Predicted Landslide Win for Hillary Day Before Election

Here’s an oldie but goodie. While it’s not so much fake news as it is misinformed or hopeful news–maybe even some kind of action provoking voodoo news, Huffington Post had a Hillary election win in the bag hours before her brutal defeat by Donald Trump.

Ironically this story was sponsored by liberal cheerleader Jessica Alba’s “The Honest Co.”, a supplier for all things snowflakes who didn’t get late term abortions would need for a growing new family.

Ocean County Democrats Offer Sessions on Activism in Toms River, Barnegat

The Ocean County Democrats will be hosting two events in February, activist training and a Trump “How and Why” session.

On February 8th, from 6-8 pm, Democrats will be discussing, “Making a difference-how, why and when in the Trump era.”  The event will be held at the Ocean County Library in Downtown Toms River.

On February 23rd, from 6-8pm, they will be providing Democratic Activist Training at the Barnegat branch of the Ocean County Library.

“Making a difference in your town and country- running for office- how, why and when to run,” read the event notice. “If you’ve ever thought about running for office, or would like to get involved in a campaign- this training is for you. This is the first session in a series, and will go over how to get on the ballot and what it takes to get started.”

 

 

On Corey Booker's Ben Franklin Fake Quote

“It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.”  – Benjamin Franklin

That was a tweet sent out this morning by New Jersey Democrat Corey Booker. Unfortunately, we’re not so sure Benjamin Franklin ever said that and neither is Snopes, the liberal fact checking website.

“Social media platforms have long proved a popular outlet for the circulation of quotes from well-known figures, with a significant proportion of them being mistattributed or apocryphal. A long-circulating example of this phenomenon is a quote attributed to Founding Father Benjamin Franklin highlighting the responsibility every citizen bears to question authority,” Snopes published on this modern urban legend of a quote.

Snopes continued:

The quote “it is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority” has widely been attributed to Benjamin Franklin since the mid-2000s, but we could locate no credible evidence before or after that period suggesting that the comment was ever written or uttered by. The most comprehensive collection of Franklin’s writings not only provides no evidence that the quote is authentic, but it also lacks any other statement of Franklin’s similar enough to serve as reasonable basis for the attribution.

Read more about the quote here.

A link to the tweet is provided above, but in case Senator Booker removes it, here is a screenshot.

On corey booker's ben franklin fake quote - photo licensed by shore news network.

Trumps Signs His First Three Executive Orders

President Donald Trump today signed three executive orders including the United States’ withdrawl from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and an immediate federal government employee hiring freeze.

“A great thing for the American worker,” Trump said of the Trans-Pacific Partnership termination.

Trump pointed out that the federal employee hiring freeze does not affect the United States military.

The third order prohibits federal funding to foreign entities that provide abortion services.

https://www.facebook.com/CSPAN/videos/10155216790965579/

Star Wars Episode VIII to be titled "The Last Jedi"

From the folks over at Star Wars and Disney, news of the next movie in the third trilogy’s title has been revealed.

“We have the greatest fans in this or any other galaxy. In appreciation of the fans, we wanted them to be the first to know the title of the next chapter in the Skywalker saga: STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI,” a statement read. “THE LAST JEDI is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski.”

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is scheduled for release December 15, 2017. 

CNN Threatens to Tarnish Trump Globally

CNN President Jeff Zucker issued a stern warning for President Donald Trump if he continues to mock the network.   At his last press conference as President-elect, Trump referred to CNN as “Fake News”.

Zucker fired back, threatening the President, possibly with continued biased coverage in its global markets.   In an interview in New York Magazine, he spoke about his network’s recent missteps and the future of his network’s coverage of the President.

“I think our credibility is higher than ever, and our viewership is higher than ever, and our reporting is as strong as ever. One of the things I think this administration hasn’t figured out yet is that there’s only one television network that is seen in Beijing, Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo, Pyongyang, Baghdad, Tehran and Damascus — and that’s CNN,” Zucker said. “The perception of Donald Trump in capitals around the world is shaped, in many ways, by CNN. Continuing to have an adversarial relationship with that network is a mistake.”

Zucker also criticized Trump’s use of Twitter in the interview.

“If he’s relying on Twitter to shape his own perception in the capitals of the world then I think he’s making a big mistake,” he added.

Trump’s stance on CNN is not much different than Barack Obama’s treatment of Fox News during his presidency.

In 2014, after being interviewed on Fox’s O’Reilly Factor, Obama complained about host Bill O’Reilly’s statements on Benghazi.

For almost two years, the White House avoided the network, not appearing again until April of 2016 with host Chris Wallace.

 

Joint Base MDL tankers assisted in B2 bomber missions against Libya

By Master Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher | 18th Air Force Public Affairs

KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender crews from five bases on three continents provided aerial refueling support during the B-2 bomber mission which struck two Daesh training camps in Libya Jan. 18, 2017.

Two B-2 Spirit bombers dropped 500-pound GPS-guided bombs on the camps, which were being used to plan and train for attacks against U.S. and allied interests in North Africa and Europe.

A total of 15 tankers participated in the operation, enabling the B-2s to fly the more than 30 hours round-trip to the target from their home base at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. Planners at 18th Air Force and the 618th Air Operations Center at Scott AFB coordinated the tanker mission, ensuring the refueling aircraft were at the right place at the right time to get the bombers to and from the Daesh training camps.

“Our goal was to find the aircraft to do the mission,” said Lt. Col. James Hadley, 18th AF Operations Planner. “The mobility enterprise flexed to put tankers from the U.S., U.S. European and U.S. Central Commands toward this effort. Everybody had a part in making this work, and it was very successful.”

The 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, was one of the units that contributed tankers to the refueling mission. Col. Darren Cole, the 305th AMW commander, said several units had to come together from different locations and commands and function together as a team to make this mission happen.

“It’s a big team that has to execute things on time to make it work right,” he said. “It’s pretty impressive to be able to hit a target globally at a moment’s notice with so many people participating.”

Making sure the tankers and bombers meet at the right place and time is like choreographing a Broadway production, Hadley said.

“When you get the request, you have to look at the whole enterprise,” he said. “Some tankers may already be in the right spot, some may have to be moved. The speed of the aircraft are completely different, so they won’t all take off at the same time, and it takes several mid-air refuelings to make an air bridge. If one person is off, the whole mission can go awry.”

Col. Clint Zumbrunnen, 305th Operations Group commander, said the 305th AMW keeps two aircraft on continuous alert just in case such a mission should come up. He said that, coupled with an efficient operations team, made sure the 305th would fly on time.

“The crews grow up here being conditioned for short-notice missions, to show up, plan and get the fuel to the fight,” Zumbrunnen explained. “Our Current Operations team is also particularly skilled at making operations happen on short notice. It makes us particularly well-equipped to do this sort of mission.”

Hadley said the stakes can be high.

“If a tanker fell out you might have seen on the news how a couple of bombers had to land somewhere in Europe,” he said. “Or even worse, you might have seen a news report about two bombers lost in the North Atlantic. Our tanker fleet enables them to do what they do.”

Using tankers sends a message to friend and foe alike, said Hadley.

“They affect things on a global scale,” he said. “They tell our forces that we can support them where ever they are, and it tells our adversaries that we can find you and touch you on a moment’s notice.”

Cole said he’s proud of the role his Airmen played in this mission.

“As always, they do an outstanding job when their nation calls upon them to do the tough tasks,” he said. “And it came off extremely well. It’s air refueling that puts the ‘global’ in ‘global strike.’”

The Libya strike is just one example of how the command facilitates the tanker war against Daesh, said Brig. Gen. Lenny Richoux, 18th AF vice commander.

“The air bridge our planners and tanker crews create enable U.S. and allied strike aircraft to continuously hit Daesh, or any enemy, no matter where they hide,” Richoux said.

“Missions like this one are merely one of many executed every day,” he added.  “The mobility enterprise conducts a massive amount of planning every single day, and we coordinate with customers around the globe for each mission. America’s air refueling tanker capability are one of the key missions that set us apart from every other Air Force in the world.  Everyone needs air refueling and we deliver it.”

Jackson Student to Perform at Carnegie Hall

JACKSON-Katrina Zangrillo, a student at Jackson Memorial High School has been selected for the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. She will perform as a Soprano one in February with the Concert Choir Honors Ensemble. Participation in one of the five Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.

Earlier this year, Katrina Zangrillo auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in her application and audition recording. Katrina will join other performers from all 49 United States, Guam, two Canadian provinces, and a number of foreign countries for a special performance at world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.

According to Morgan Smith, Program Director, “Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing. We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 750 of the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians never forget”.

Katrina has studied music for six years and is a member of Concert Choir, A Capella, and Tri-M, at JMHS and is also part of the Saint Aloysius choir. She has participated in the spring musicals at JMHS for the past three years. She has decided to pursue musical theater as a career.  She also is active in the study of piano, acting and dance classes. She loves taking workshops at Sweet Music Academy and Count Basie Theater. In response to her selection as a Finalist, Katrina said, “Never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned myself to be considered for a momentous and impacting honor such as this. Words cannot express how jubilated I feel. To all my fellow contenders, I cannot wait to be united with you to not only create beautiful music, but hopefully form great friendships”.

Finalists will come together in New York City for five days in February 2017. They will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other Finalists, and get a taste of New York City. Two performances, an Honors Choral Performance and an Honors Instrumental Performance, will take place Sunday, February 5, and are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased beginning 60 days prior to the performance through the Carnegie Hall box office.

The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual high school performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in the celebrated venue, Carnegie Hall. The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented by WorldStrides, the nation’s leading educational travel organization. Learn more by visiting www.honorsperformance.org and www.worldstrides.com.

Trump Second Most Watched Inauguration Since Ronald Reagan

WASHINGTON,DC-Even though the media continues to mock President Donald Trump, Press Secretary Sean Spicer and Kellyanne Conway for their high ratings claims on Friday, Nielsen ratings released this weekend for the historic event show it was the second most watched presidential inauguration since Ronald Reagan took office in 1981.

“An estimated 31 million people tuned in to watch Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017,” Nielsen said in a statement this weekend.  “While coverage varied by network, 12 networks aired live coverage from approximately 10:00 am ET to 6:00 pm ET.”

Reagan’s inauguration was the most watched inauguration ever, with 41.8 million viewers, according to Nielsen.    Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration had 37.7 million viewers, but his second inauguration in 2012 dropped to just 20.5 million viewers.

Trump beat both of Bill Clinton’s inaugurations and all of the Bush family inaugurations.

1981 – Ronald Reagan – 41.8m
1985 – Ronald Reagan – 25m
1989 – George H.W. Bush – 23.3m
1993 – Bill Clinton – 29.7m
1997 – Bill Clinton – 21.5m
2001 – George W. Bush – 29m
2005 – George W. Bush – 15.5m
2009 – Barack Obama – 37.7m
2012 – Barack Obama – 20.5m
2017 – Donald Trump – 30.6m

 

 

US air raids 'kill scores of ISIL fighters' in Libya

More than 80 ISIL fighters have been killed in United States air raids on camps operated by the armed group inside Libya, according to US officials. Pentagon said on Thursday B-2 bombers and US drones had targeted overnight two camps southwest of the city of Sirte, a former bastion of ISIL in the North African country.…

N.J. Women's March organizers: 'Turn this into a movement'

TRENTON — After a Saturday that drew thousands of people across the state to rally for women’s rights in the face of a political administration they deem hostile, leaders of these marches said they hoped the resistance was just beginning. “This isn’t going to be an isolated moment in time,” said Elizabeth Meyer, the founder and…

Women’s March: Empowering, Joyful and Bigger Than 1960s

For the hundreds of thousands of women who attended the historic Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, it was not only an event they will likely never forget. The march was a welcome chance to feel energized and positive for perhaps the first time since the election of President Donald Trump last November. It also was…

Conway Blasts Chuck Todd: 'You've Missed It All Along'

Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway flayed NBC News’ “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd Sunday for acting like an “opinion columnist” instead of an objective “news person” when he charged White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer held a “ridiculous” first briefing Saturday. Spicer received heated criticism from the mainstream media when he rebuked them for…

Trump: Where were the protesters on election day?

Less than 48 hours after being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Sunday to respond to mass protests around the US and across the globe against his inauguration. President Trump said that he respected demonstrators” rights to protest, writing: “Peaceful protests are a hallmark of…

National Park Service Removes Tweet Comparing Inauguration Crowds, Apologizes

The National Parks Service was either misled by a fake news story by Trump hating New York Times reporter Binyamin Appelbaum and retweeted his misleading photo comparison of the Trump and Obama inaugurations.

That tweet was taken down shortly after it was posted and a message from the park service appeared.

“We regret the mistaken RTs from our account yesterday and look forward to continuing to share the beauty and history of our parks with you,” the NPS tweeted.

 

Obamas Launch Obama Foundation

The Obama Foundation is a living, working start-up for citizenship — an ongoing project for us to shape, together, what it means to be a good citizen in the 21st century. The Foundation is based on the South Side of Chicago, and we will have projects all over the city, the country, and the world.

To help us get started, we would love to hear from you. Send us your ideas, your hopes, your dreams about what we can achieve together. Tell us about the people who inspire you and the organizations whose work you admire.

This will be your Foundation just as much as it is ours.

“Because for all our outward differences, we, in fact, all share the same proud title, the most important office in a democracy: Citizen.”

—President Barack Obama

 

Women Arrive in New Jersey for Women's March

PRESS RELEASE-On Saturday January 21, hundreds of women, their families, and their allies arrived in our state’s capital city to participate in the Women’s March on Trenton. The day’s events included 40 powerful speakers, musical guests, and a march to the steps of the State House. Marchers called on elected leaders to uphold civil and human rights.

“Our President’s greatest opponent will not be a name on a ballot, a leader of a nation, or someone seated in Congress. His greatest opponent will be women like me, who will not rest until our rights, safety, health, and families are protected,” said Elizabeth Meyer, founder of the Women’s March on New Jersey. “We will send a clear message: We are here. We are watching. We are ready to rise.”

At the Patriots’ Theater at the Trenton War Memorial, small groups of women and allies took to the stage to share their personal reasons for attending the march. These individuals spoke on behalf of the diverse coalition of activists, communities, and partnering organizations represented at the march. Many speakers touched on issues that featured prominently in the mission statement of the Women’s March on New Jersey, including reproductive access, racial justice, affordable housing, access to education, and climate change.

“At Planned Parenthood we believe that access to health care should not depend on who you are, where you live, how much money you make, or your race or immigration status,” said Christine Sadovy, Advocacy Director with Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. “The right to control our own bodies and plan if and when we want to start a family is fundamental and we will not allow it to be taken away. We will not go back!”

Marchers also heard from keynote speakers including Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Luanne Peterpaul with Garden State Equality, professor Dr. Dalia Fahmy, Congressman Donald Norcross, immigration activist Diana Meija, and SEIU New Jersey State Council Executive Director Lizette Delgado-Polanco.

“It’s an honor to stand with women from across our state and around the country to defend women’s rights, human rights, and civil rights,” said Congressman Norcross. “We’re joining together to send a clear message that we will continue to fight for our values and that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.”

Following the program at the Patriots’ Theater, the marchers took to the streets, where they marched to the steps of the New Jersey State House. There, New Jersey Assemblywomen Pamela Lampitt, Elizabeth Muoio, and Shavonda Sumter spoke to the crowd about the importance of taking action. Finally, the march concluded with a powerful speech by Trenton civil rights legend Edith Savage-Jennings.

“The massive number of women marching today in Trenton, Washington, and around the world could be the largest mobilization of women in history,” said Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, Executive Director of New Jersey Citizen Action. “Elected leaders across New Jersey and all the way up to the White House should consider themselves on notice that women will not stand for business as usual. We will not simply defend our existing rights. We march together to bring collective power to all women – demanding equal pay and jobs that provide a living wage, workplace policies that support families, an expansion of our reproductive freedoms, and a more inclusive nation for all.”

Anti-Trumper Nancy Sinatra Calls Out CNN Over Fake News Tweet

Nancy Sinatra, known for being the daughter of the legendary singer Frank Sinatra and for her one-hit-wonder, ‘These Boots are Made for Walking” corrected a false tweet made by CNN.

At the Presidential Inauguration ball, President Trump and wife Melania danced to the elder Sinatra’s “My Way”.

CNN tweeted earlier in the day, “Nancy Sinatra is not happy Trump will use her father’s song at #inauguration.”

“That’s not true. I never said that,” Sinatra replied. “Why do you lie, CNN?”

 

 

Anti-trumper nancy sinatra calls out cnn over fake news tweet - photo licensed by shore news network.

 

NBC's Katie Rich Goes Dark After Saying Barron Trump Will Be America's First Homeschool Shooter

Nbc's katie rich goes dark after saying barron trump will be america's first homeschool shooter - photo licensed by shore news network.NBC’s Katie Rich has protected her Twitter account and went dark after tweeting “Barron will be this country’s first homeschool shooter.” Saturday morning.\

A petition for NBC to fire the Saturday Night Live writer has also been started.

Twitter erupted.

https://twitter.com/suzydymna/status/822844677015633921

 

https://twitter.com/jane747/status/822847352159531008

 

https://twitter.com/RobertTManley/status/822837319136935936

 

 

What were Donald Trump's first tweets as President?

Check Out New York Times' Fake News on Inauguration Day

New York Times DC propagandist Binyamin Appelbaum posted comparison shots of the Trump and Obama inaugurations on Twitter Saturday morning.  What he failed to mention was that those photos were taken at different times during the inauguration.

https://twitter.com/BCAppelbaum/status/822478866035986435

He was quickly corrected.

https://twitter.com/Grannies4Ghost/status/822673427135864833

While Trump undoubtedly did not have the numbers Obama had at his inauguration, the use of shots taken at different times during the inauguration was just more sensational liberal propaganda from the New York Times.

 

8 Unhinged Trump Media Meltdowns You Might Have Missed on Inauguration Day

Donald Trump is now the 45th president of the United States, having been sworn-in by John Roberts, chief justice of the United States. “There is a chance that Trump marks the beginning of the end of American democracy. And, yes, there is a good chance that Trump will corrupt the American republic in lasting ways.” At…

Trump to Kushner: 'If you can't bring Middle East peace, nobody can'

Speaking at an event to supporters on the eve of his inauguration as US President, Donald Trump thanked donors, and emphasized the role that his son-in-law Jared Kushner will play in his administration as special envoy to the Middle East. “If you can”t produce peace in the Middle East, nobody can,” Trump told Kushner. “All my…

Trump Ends Day One Talking with Troops in Afghanistan

U.S. President Donald Trump ended his first day in office by talking with soldiers in Afghanistan via satellite. The newly installed president was at the last of three inaugural balls when he talked with the soldiers who offered their congratulations to Trump. He told the soldiers they could ask him anything, but the young soldiers offered…

Donald Trump: US will wipe out 'Islamic terror groups'

The Trump administration will make defeating “radical Islamic terror groups” its top foreign policy goal, according to a statement posted on the White House website moments after Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president. Trump used his inaugural address on Friday to promise to “unite the civilised world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely…

President Trump's Inaugural Address

Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you.

We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.

Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come.

We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done.

Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent.

Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People.

For too long, a small group in our nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost.

Washington flourished – but the people did not share in its wealth.

Politicians prospered – but the jobs left, and the factories closed.

The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.

Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nation’s Capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land.

That all changes – starting right here, and right now, because this moment is your moment: it belongs to you.

It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America.

This is your day. This is your celebration.

And this, the United States of America, is your country.

What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.

January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again.

The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.

Everyone is listening to you now.

You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement the likes of which the world has never seen before.

At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction: that a nation exists to serve its citizens.

Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves.

These are the just and reasonable demands of a righteous public.

But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system, flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge; and the crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential.

This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.

We are one nation – and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams; and their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny.

The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.

For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry;

Subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military;

We’ve defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own;

And spent trillions of dollars overseas while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay.

We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has disappeared over the horizon.

One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind.

The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed across the entire world.

But that is the past. And now we are looking only to the future.

We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power.

From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land.

From this moment on, it’s going to be America First.

Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families.

We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength.

I will fight for you with every breath in my body – and I will never, ever let you down.

America will start winning again, winning like never before.

We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams.

We will build new roads, and highways, and bridges, and airports, and tunnels, and railways all across our wonderful nation.

We will get our people off of welfare and back to work – rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor.

We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and Hire American.

We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world – but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first.

We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow.

We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones – and unite the civilized world against Radical Islamic Terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth.

At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other.

When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.

The Bible tells us, “how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”

We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity.

When America is united, America is totally unstoppable.

There should be no fear – we are protected, and we will always be protected.

We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement and, most importantly, we are protected by God.

Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger.

In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving.

We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action – constantly complaining but never doing anything about it.

The time for empty talk is over.

Now arrives the hour of action.

Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America.

We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again.

We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow.

A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions.

It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American Flag.

And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator.

So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words:

You will never be ignored again.

Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.

Together, We Will Make America Strong Again.

We Will Make America Wealthy Again.

We Will Make America Proud Again.

We Will Make America Safe Again.

And, Yes, Together, We Will Make America Great Again. Thank you, God Bless You, And God Bless America.