Daily News Roundup NJ News Commons

Jaime Bedrin discusses the first half of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's hearing by NJ News Commons

Mary Galioto of MercerMe discusses her local news subscription program by NJ News Commons

Matt Skoufalos of NJ Pen discusses NJ's new microbrewery regulations by NJ News Commons

Stefanie Murray discusses Jesse Holcomb's latest research by NJ News Commons

March 5, 2018

Partly cloudy with high temperatures in the mid-40s.

MURPHY INAUGURATION COST MORE THAN $1 MILLION
The committee that planned the inauguration of Gov. Phil Murphy spent $1.1 million on the swearing-in ceremony in Trenton and the inaugural festivities held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.com reports. The Democratic State Committee covered $940,000 of the cost and the remainder was paid with individual donations of no more than $500 each, according to a report filed with the Election Law Enforcement Commission. When Gov. Chris Christie took office in 2010, more than half of the $1 million raised for his inaugural ball was donated to charities.

CHRISTIE SAYS KUSHNER SHOULD RESIGN WHITE HOUSE POST
Former Gov. Chris Christie says that Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, should resign from his job as a senior adviser, the New York Post writes. Kushner has been the subject of press scrutiny after his security clearance was downgraded and reports surfaced that his family’s business received loans from investors after they attended White House meetings.

PATIENTS DYING AFTER PROCEDURES AT NJ SURGERY CENTERS
New Jersey has 298 same-day surgical centers, which offer lower costs than hospitals, lower infection rates and greater convenience. But dozens of patients have died at the centers since the state began keeping safety records, Lindy Washburn writes in The Record.

HUDSON COUNTY WITHDRAWS FROM IMMIGRATION DETENTION PROGRAM
Officials announced last week that Hudson County is dropping out of a program that trained corrections officers to determine the immigration status of prisoners and flag those held on serious charges for possible deportation, The Record reports. Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Vainieri said the Trump administration’s vigorous enforcement of immigration laws was a factor in the decision. But County Executive Tom DeGise said bail reform in the state had significantly reduced crowding at the jail, eliminating the need to remove inmates.

PSEG, EXELON PUT HOLD ON CAPITAL PROJECTS AT NUCLEAR PLANT
Public Service Enterprise Group and Exelon are withholding money for capital projects at the Salem nuclear power plant until the Legislature approves a controversial measure that would have utility customers provide a $300 million-a-year subsidy for two South Jersey plants, NJ Spotlight writes. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, PSEG and Exelon said money for capital projects would be restored if legislation that “sufficiently values” nuclear energy is enacted in New Jersey.

March 1, 2018

Showers with high temperatures in the upper 50s. Storms moving in later.

CONDITIONS CALLED ‘INHUMANE’ AT IMMIGRANT DETENTION CENTERS
A human rights organization says immigrants being held at three detention centers in New Jersey are subjected to “harsh and inhumane” conditions, The Record writes. A report released this week by Human Rights First says detainees are served raw and spoiled food, given dirty drinking water and provided insufficient clothing and hygiene products. "Legal professionals who participated in the tours were surprised to note that the conditions of detention were poor or worse than those they had previously observed in criminal correctional facilities,'' the report says.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ADVANCES 6 GUN-CONTROL MEASURES
The Assembly Judiciary Committee approved six bills that would tighten New Jersey’s gun-control laws, which are already among the strictest in the country, The Record reports. One of the measures, known as a “red flag” law, would allow police to temporarily take guns from people who are ruled by a judge as a threat. Other legislation would impose a 10-round limit on the capacity of gun magazines, expand background checks to include private gun sales and ban bullets capable of penetrating body armor.

HEALTH INSURER TO USE PART OF TAX WINDFALL FOR POLICYHOLDERS
The largest health insurer in the state says it will use at least $275 million of its federal tax refund to benefit policyholders, NJ Spotlight says. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey provide rebates or discounts to its 3.8 million members. It will also focus on improving mental health services, increasing access to substance abuse treatment, and expanding primary care. The money comes from the Trump administration’s tax overhaul, which changed the process used by some corporation to file income tax.

EMAIL THREAT CLOSES TWO SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Two Gloucester County school districts are closed today after a threatening email message was received by a staff member overnight, NJ.com reports. The Franklin Township and Delsea Regional school districts have been in close contact with each other and the police since the threat was received, authorities said. The threat was directed at a Franklin Township district employee but the Delsea district also closed because its facilities are in close proximity to Franklin Township’s. In a statement posted on Facebook, the Franklin Township Police Department said, "We are working diligently to identify the sender of that email at this time."

NOR'EASTER EXPECTED TO BRING HEAVY RAIN, HIGH WINDS
It looks like March is coming in like a lion. High wind and flood watches have been issued for most of the state as weather forecasts are indicating a nor'easter is approaching, News 12 says. Rain is expected to move in Thursday evening with urban and coastal flooding possible early Friday through Saturday. In addition, a winter storm watch has been issued for Sussex and western Passaic counties with the possibility of 2 to 6 inches of snow.