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The latest stories from The Press of Atlantic City, in case you missed them.
1
Sen. Bob Menendez guilty of taking bribes in cash and gold and acting as Egypt's foreign agent
- LARRY NEUMEISTER & PHILIP MARCELOAssociated Press
NEW YORK — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was convicted of all charges at his corruption trial Tuesday, including accepting bribes of gold and cash from three New Jersey businessmen and acting as a foreign agent for the Egyptian government.
Prosecutors said the Democrat abused the power of his office to protect allies from criminal investigations and enrich associates, including his wife, through acts that included meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials and softening his position toward that country as he speeded its access to millions of dollars in U.S. military aid.
Menendez, 70, looked toward the jury at times and appeared to mark a document in front of him as the verdict was read. Afterward, he sat resting his chin against his closed hands, elbows on the table. He and his lawyers vowed to appeal as they left the courthouse.
“I have never violated my public oath. I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country. I have never, ever been a foreign agent,” Menendez said before a collection of microphones outside the courthouse before walking briskly to a waiting car.
Menendez did not testify at the nine-week trial, but insisted publicly he was only doing his job as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He said gold bars found in his New Jersey home by the FBI belonged to his wife, Nadine Menendez. She too was charged but her trial was postponed so she could recover from breast cancer surgery. She has pleaded not guilty.
The verdict comes four months before Election Day and potentially dooms Menendez’s chances of winning reelection as an independent.
The trial’s outcome prompted a chorus of Democrats to call on Menendez to resign, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New Jersey’s junior senator, Cory Booker, and the party’s nominee to replace Menendez, Rep. Andy Kim.
“In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign,” Schumer’s statement said.
Gov. Phil Murphy, who would appoint Menendez’s replacement, urged the Senate to expel him if he doesn’t resign. It’s not clear whether Schumer would be willing to hold those votes. Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority. A senator has not been removed from office in over a century.
Curtis Bashaw, the Republican candidate for the seat, also called on Menendez to quit, saying New Jersey deserves better than “corruption and made-for-tv political scandals, courtesy of Bob Menendez and the Democratic machine.”
The Senate Ethics Committee, meanwhile, will complete its own investigation of Menendez “promptly” and consider a “full range of disciplinary actions,” according to a statement from Democrat Chris Coons and Republican James Lankford, the committee’s chairman and vice chairman. The probe adds further pressure on Menendez to voluntarily resign.
Menendez faces the possibility of decades in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 29. He was found guilty of 16 counts.
This was the second corruption trial for Menendez. An earlier prosecution on unrelated charges in 2017 ended with a deadlocked jury.
“This case has always been about shocking levels of corruption, hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in the form of cash, gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz. This wasn’t politics as usual, this was politics for profit. And now that a jury has convicted Bob Menendez, his years of selling his office to the highest bidder have finally come to an end,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said outside the courthouse shortly before Menendez came out.
Two co-defendants also were convicted. The New Jersey businessmen, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were accused of paying bribes. A third businessman, Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty prior to trial and testified against the others.
Hana’s lawyer, Lawrence Lustberg, said outside the courthouse that they would file motions to set aside the verdict. The American system of justice “has, in his view, let him down,” Lustberg said. Daibes’ lawyer, Cesar De Castro, also promised an appeal, saying: “We are extraordinarily disappointed ... We think the result was wrong.”
The jury’s decision followed a lengthy probe that included a June 2022 FBI raid on the couple’s home in Englewood Cliffs, a wealthy community just across the Hudson River from New York City. FBI agents seized gold bars worth nearly $150,000 and cash, mostly in stacks of $100 bills, totaling over $480,000. In the garage was a Mercedes-Benz convertible. A supervising agent testified that stacks of cash were stuffed in boots, shoeboxes and jackets belonging to the senator.
Prosecutors argued that the gold bars, cash and car were bribes. Defense lawyers disputed that, arguing that the gold belonged to his wife and she had kept him in the dark about financial troubles so grim that she nearly lost the home to foreclosure. They said the senator habitually hoarded money because his parents escaped Cuba in 1951 with only the cash they had hidden in a grandfather clock.
More shocking, though, were allegations that Menendez had earned some of it by using his powerful perch on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to benefit Egypt, an important U.S. ally but one often subject to American criticism over alleged human rights abuses.
Prosecutors said Nadine Menendez held herself out as a conduit to her powerful husband, exchanging texts with an Egyptian general and helping to arrange a Washington visit by the chief of Egypt’s intelligence service. To one general she texted, “Anytime you need anything you have my number and we will make everything happen.”
Sen. Menendez, prosecutors said, took actions to ingratiate himself with Egyptian officials, including providing them with information about the staff at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwriting a letter to fellow senators encouraging them to lift a hold on $300 million in military aid. The senator also told his wife to let her Egyptian contacts know he planned to sign off on $99 million in tank ammunition.
Charges, originally announced last September, were expanded over time, eventually including bribery, extortion, fraud, obstruction of justice, conspiracy and, for Menendez, acting as a foreign agent of Egypt.
Prosecutors said serial numbers on the gold bars and fingerprints on tape that bound together the stacks of cash were traced to Hana and Daibes. Some fingerprints on tape, they said, belonged to Menendez. And in return, prosecutors said, Menendez took numerous actions to benefit the businessmen.
Those included protecting Egypt’s decision to award Hana a lucrative monopoly to certify that meat sent to Egypt met Islamic dietary requirements. Menendez asked a U.S. agriculture official to drop his opposition to the monopoly deal despite concerns that it would drive up prices.
Uribe testified at the trial that he paid for Nadine Menendez to get a Mercedes-Benz convertible in exchange for the senator’s help assuring that his insurance business would not be affected by New Jersey criminal probes of a trucking company belonging to his friend.
Prosecutors also said Sen. Menendez attempted to interfere in a federal criminal prosecution of Daibes, a politically influential real estate developer accused of bank fraud. The U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Philip Sellinger, testified at the trial that Menendez questioned him about the Daibes prosecution and said he believed he was “being treated unfairly.”
Prosecutors also presented evidence that Menendez took actions favorable to Qatar’s government to help Daibes secure a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund.
Menendez’s political career began in 1974 when, only two years out of high school, he was elected to the education board in Union City, New Jersey. He later served in the state Legislature, then was elected to the U.S. House in 1992. He became a U.S. senator in 2006.
2
Brick Township man sought in Ocean County murder plot arrested
- Press staff reports
A Brick Township man sought in an Ocean County murder plot that included a Barnegat Township woman was arrested Tuesday, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.
Jared Krysiak, 34, had been charged Saturday with hindering apprehension and desecration of human remains in a series of events that occurred in Toms River and Jackson Township on or about July 3. He was taken into custody in Marlboro, Monmouth County, by Prosecutor's Office detectives and Toms River police and was transported to the Ocean County jail.
Krysiak; Danielle Bolstad, 42, of Barnegat; and several others are accused of working together to dispose of the body of Toms River homeowner Kerry Rollason, 56, the Prosecutor's Office said previously. Bolstad also is being held in the county jail.
Manchester Township police and U.S. Marshals responded to a home on Ravenwood Drive in Toms River on July 5 and found Maxwell Johnston, 35, of Manchester Township, who was wanted in the June 27 murder of Gabriella Caroleo, 25, of Seaside Heights, the Prosecutor's Office saidMonday in a news release.
Upon police arrival, Bolstad, Krysiak and Jarred Palumbo, 36, of Manchester, exited the home while Elizabeth Mascarelli, 29, of Seaside Heights, and Johnston remained inside, the Prosecutor's Office said.
After several hours, Mascarelli came out of the home while Johnston ended up dying by self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Prosecutor's Office said. Investigators determined Mascarelli allowed Johnston to stay in the home for four days despite her knowledge of Caroleo's murder and Johnston's alleged involvement in it.
While Caroleo's death was being investigated, authorities received information that another murder might have taken place at the Ravenwood Drive home July 3, and that evidence was at a home on Toms River Road in Jackson, the Prosecutor's Office said.
On Friday, several black bags containing body parts were found at the Jackson home while a defaced .22 caliber handgun and other evidence were found at the Toms River home, indicating the murder took place at that location, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Rollason, who owned the Ravenwood Drive residence, was identified as the victim, and an autopsy determined he died from multiple gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Investigators determined Johnston was responsible for Rollason's murder, while Mascarelli, Bolstad, Krysiak and Palumbo assisted him in getting rid of the body, the Prosecutor's Office said.
3
Chipotle opens Cape May Court House location
- Press staff reports
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE— Chipotle Mexican Grill opened a new location with drive-thru Tuesday at 9 Broadway Road.
The new location is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Menu items include traditional Mexican fare such as tacos, burritos and chips, as well as chicken al pastor, which the chain says is available for a limited time.
According to a news release from the company, it is hiring for the new location and offers a crew bonus with the opportunity to earn an extra month’s pay each year, a debt-free college degree program, and access to mental health care for employees and their families.
Each location has about 30 employees, the company said.
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What happens to Sen. Bob Menendez's seat after his conviction?
- MIKE CATALINIAssociated Press
TRENTON — New Jersey Democrat Bob Menendez on Tuesday became one of just a handful of U.S. senators to be convicted of a crime while in office — and the first ever found guilty of being an agent of a foreign government — raising questions about whether he will be able to serve out the remainder of his term.
Within minutes of the jury's verdict, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had called for Menendez's resignation, while Gov. Phil Murphy urged the Senate to expel Menendez if he refuses to leave.
Menendez, 70, did not comment on his political plans in brief remarks after the jury found him guilty of accepting bribes of gold and cash from three New Jersey businessmen and acting as a foreign agent for the Egyptian government. He maintained his innocence, saying: “I have every faith that the law and the facts did not sustain that decision, and that we will be successful upon appeal.”
Menendez’s term ends in January and he’s said he’s running for a fourth term as an independent. The judge set his sentencing date for Oct. 29 — a week before the November election.
Here is a closer look at what could happen to Menendez's seat.
Expulsion
The Constitution gives Congress the power to punish its members and requires a two-thirds majority to expel a lawmaker. Democrats have a tenuous hold on the majority thanks to independent members caucusing with them. Whether they might decide to pursue expulsion isn't clear.
“There is no requirement or rule requiring expulsion votes or hearings if a member is convicted of a crime,” according to Josh Howard, assistant historian at the Senate Historical Office. “It would be up to the Majority Leader and/or Senate Select Committee on Ethics to determine next steps, if there are any.”
What is certain is that expulsion hasn't happened in more than 160 years. The last such vote was in 1862, according to the Senate, and by far most of the 15 senators who were expelled were booted for supporting the Confederacy.
Resignation
Other senators throughout history who faced possible expulsion opted instead to resign.
Prior to his conviction, Menendez had already bucked pressure from leading Democrats in his state as well as Senate colleagues to resign.
The last senator convicted of a crime while in office, Ted Stevens of Alaska, also refused to quit and was ousted in an election, only to have his conviction wiped out by an appeals court over alleged prosecutorial misconduct.
The last senator to resign was Harrison Williams Jr., also a New Jersey Democrat who was convicted of bribery. He resigned in 1982 before the Senate could vote on whether to expel him.
What if there's a vacancy?
New Jersey law allows the governor to appoint a senator to fill the vacancy, though it's not required.
Murphy said after the verdict that in the event of a vacancy: “I will exercise my duty to make a temporary appointment to ensure the people of New Jersey have the representation they deserve.”
He did not say who that would be. The Democratic Party has already nominated Rep. Andy Kim as its candidate in November.
Would Murphy tap Kim so he could potentially gain some seniority ahead of a possible victory in deeply Democratic New Jersey? Or might Murphy appoint his wife, first lady Tammy Murphy, who had launched a campaign for Menendez's seat but dropped out after it became clear she faced a contentious battle against Kim?
Choosing his wife could be a political “non-starter," said Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University.
Curtis Bashaw, the Republican candidate for the seat, already linked Tuesday's corruption verdict to “the Democratic machine.” And Murphy said shortly after the Menendez indictment was unsealed last year and before her short-lived Senate candidacy that he didn't see a scenario where he would appoint her to the seat.
What if there's no vacancy?
The state Democratic Party abandoned Menendez after the indictment was unsealed last September, and he opted not to run in the primary as a Democrat. Republicans haven't won a Senate seat in more than five decades in New Jersey, and Democrats have expressed confidence in Kim.
Still, it's unclear how Menendez's candidacy could affect the race if he stays in it.
He could still run for reelection and hold onto his seat, even if he's facing or serving prison time, according to the National Constitution Center, a private nonprofit that focuses on constitutional education.
5
Atlantic County service providers asked to fill out homelessness survey
- John O'Connor
The Greater Atlantic City Chamber and local leaders are urging Atlantic County human service providers to fill out a survey as part of an effort to better address homelessness in the county, chamber officials said Monday.
The goal of the survey is to gather insights into the work being done by various agencies, nonprofits, shelters and service providers throughout the county to support the unhoused, chamber officials said.
"Our communities thrive when we come together and work cooperatively to address its most pressing issues,” chamber President Michael Chait said in a statement. “This survey represents a pivotal first step in understanding homelessness in Atlantic County and will guide our efforts to combat homelessness. By developing effective, impactful solutions that are guided by firsthand knowledge and experience, we hope to address issues at the core and affect lasting change that will help improve our communities for generations to come.”
State Sen. Vince Polistina and Assembly members Don Guardian and Claire Swift, all R-Atlantic, said they hope the data will address the needs of people who are unsheltered in the county, identify gaps in services and resources, inspire effective strategies while improving and increasing support systems, lead to a more comprehensive, thorough understanding of the services provided and help create a more cohesive, collaborative environment between residents and providers.
"Tackling homelessness requires a unified and informed approach. By gathering data from those on the front lines, we can develop strategies that are both compassionate and effective,” Polistina saidin a statement. “I am confident that this collaborative effort will bring us closer to ensuring that every resident of Atlantic County has a safe place to call home."
The idea for the survey came from the Human Services Summit organized by the legislators in April.
"Collaboration is key to tackling homelessness in Atlantic County. This survey will help us identify gaps, share best practices, and ultimately, create a more coordinated response,” Guardian said. "I strongly encourage all service providers to participate and contribute to this essential initiative.”
To fill out the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/736PSDB.
"Addressing homelessness is a shared responsibility, and this survey is a critical tool in our efforts to understand and alleviate this complex issue,” Swift said. “We need the insights and experiences of all our community partners to drive meaningful change and provide better support for those in need."
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CRDA says yes to 2 more Atlantic City cannabis spots
- Bill Barlow
ATLANTIC CITY— The city’s cannabis gold rush continues, with the 31st site plan approval of a proposed dispensary at 1624 Pacific Ave., next door to another planned dispensary.
The Board of Directors of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority on Tuesday granted minor site plan approval to Score 420 DJ Inc. for a Class 5 cannabis dispensary at the site, which was a former law office. There is no parking on site, but the business leased space for eight cars in a neighboring lot, CRDA Planning Director Lance Landgraf told the board.
At the same meeting, the board gave site plan approval to Hammerhead Manufacturing Co. NJ LLC for a manufacturing facility to turn marijuana plants into products such as edibles, what is known as a Class 2 license.
That site is at 112 Park Place, within the parking garage for The Claridge hotel, a fifth-floor section that has most recently been used for office space, Landgraf told the board.
Board member Mike Beson, who has consistently voted against cannabis applications, has asked for a running tally of the number of applications. So far, Landgraf told him, three manufacturing sites have been granted site plan approval.
“So there will be two cannabis dispensaries right next to each other?” Beson said.
“Correct,” Landgraf replied.
A CRDA vote is just one of the approvals needed for a business to start legally selling cannabis in Atlantic City, with the most significant step coming from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, which is charged with licensing legal cannabis companies.
There are more than 150 licensed dispensaries in the state so far, with seven open in Atlantic City, in addition to one that is open only to those with medical marijuana cards. For the first quarter of 2024, statewide sales totaled more than $201 million, up 38% over the same period the year before.
Atlantic City has gone all in, establishing a sizable “green zone” covering much of the commercial areas of the city. That includes the Tourism District, where the CRDA holds planning and zoning authority, which is what brings the CRDA board into the picture.
There have been times at which CRDA board members have asked just how much weed will be too much, but for the most part, cannabis site plan approvals have become a routine element of board meetings. Usually, Beson is the loneno vote.
If all of the proposed locations eventually open, for which there is no guarantee, there could be several instances where competing dispensaries are located next door or nearby. Score 420 DJ is located across the street from the Carnegie Library and near the former location of The Sands casino, which was demolished in 2007.
The location is less than 1,000 feet from the other site plan approved Tuesday. Landgraf said the proposal will not result in any reduction in parking.
The first floor of the building already has a dispensary, Design 710, and it is close to the High Roller dispensary inside the Claridge. There will not be any changes to the exterior of the building.
No sales to the public will occur at the site, Landgraf said.
City officials see cannabis as an economic driver. In multiple instances, cannabis businesses have rehabilitated formerly vacant space in old buildings, and there are plans to demolish a former church at Pennsylvania and Pacific avenues to make way for a dispensary and consumption lounge.
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Atlantic City preparing youth for future with summer work program
- John O'Connor
ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City High School football wide receiver Sah’nye Degraffenreidt says youth programs around the city made a major impact on his life as he gets ready to play college football at Rutgers University in 2025.
“I’ve been here from the very start,” said Degraffenreidt, 17, who has been involved in the city’s anti-violence program One Neighborhood Evolution. “It means a lot to see how this has grown because when I first started there was seven of us.”
In a continued effort to make a positive impact on the youth, representatives from the anti-violence program, city officials, the Atlantic County Office of Workforce Development, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the National Action Network gathered Tuesday afternoon outside the Carnegie Library to announce that more than 300 children and young adults are gaining valuable life experience through a summer work program.
Attendees heard remarks from various speakers before Mayor Marty Small Sr. led a tour through the building to give the public an opportunity to see the kids working in fields such as entrepreneurship, fashion design, podcasting, graphic design, coding and web design.
“At the end of this program, the students in this class will be able to do basic data entry functions like being able to write prompts to begin pieces of data and know what they want to do with it,” said Salih Israil, who was teaching a class on computer coding.
The project, originally called Leaders in Training, was established in 2019 by the Rev. Collins Days of Second Baptist Church and Joe Jingoli, co-owner of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
However, interest in the program grew and many youths wanting to work were left on a waiting list, leading the city to collaborate with the county, CRDA and National Action Network to launch a revamped program.
“There was a waiting list of kids,” Small said. “So, we made the financial commitment to make sure that any kid in the city who wanted to work had the opportunity.”
The program involves 24 businesses, with six located inside the Carnegie building and 18 others, including hotels, restaurants and the Police Athletic League, employing youth off site.
Shermaine Gunter-Gary, the program’s administrator, said its interest has increased over the years as more businesses look to sign up.
“We are getting ready to increase that to six more work sites,” Gunter-Gary said.
Participants of the paid program set goals for themselves at the beginning of the summer, then evaluate at the end of the summer what they learned and the training they received, Gunter-Gary said.
“The importance comes in the results,” Gunter-Gary said. “We basically start out with baseline data on all of our youth and then we have different parameters that we look at to see what their achievements will be. They’ll have an exit interview at the end to see how well they did and what their attendance and attitude was like. We also get a lot of the work site supervisors to evaluate and let us know.”
Small hopes to expand the program and eventually make it something that takes place year-round.
“This is a challenge to the business community, if you want to help keep kids off the street, help fund this program,” Small said. “We want to extend this program into the fall, the winter and next spring. We have resources, but when we combine all of them, no one has to everything when we can all pitch in and continue to make this program go.”
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Warran Grove Forest fire grows to 600 acres; 50% contained
- Nicholas Huba
BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP — A fast-moving forest fire broke out Tuesday at a major military gunnery range in southern New Jersey, but no injuries or property damage has been reported.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded around 2:15 p.m. to the Warren Grove Air to Ground Range in Ocean County, where weapons testing had been scheduled for late Tuesday morning. It wasn't immediately clear if the testing had taken place and, if it did, played a role in the fire.
The blaze had burned roughly 600 acres by late Tuesday night. The fire is approximately 50% contained. Fire service said crews were burning brush ahead of the blaze to prevent its spread.
The range covers 9,400 acres and 60 miles of airspace, according to the New Jersey National Guard. It’s used for a variety of military exercises, including weapons delivery practice for helicopters and other aircraft teams, laser training, and gunnery and munitions drills.
The range, which is secluded from roads by dense forests, is about 34 miles south of Joint Base Maguire-Dix-Lakehurst, one of the largest military facilities in New Jersey. It also was the scene of a 2007 fire that burned 17,000 acres and led to the evacuation of thousands of residents. That fire, which was touched off when a pilot dropped a flare into the range during a training exercise, destroyed four homes and damaged about 50 others.
The next update on the fire was expected about 10 a.m. Wednesday .
9
Plain old bad luck? NJ sports betting revenue down 24% at casinos, 9.5% overall in June
- WAYNE PARRYAssociated Press
ATLANTIC CITY — New Jersey's casinos saw their sports betting revenue decline by nearly 24% in June, and sports betting revenue overall in the state declined by 9.5%, according to figures released Tuesday by state gambling regulators.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reported that the nine casinos collectively saw their sports betting revenue decline by 23.9% in June compared with a year earlier.
When the three horse tracks that take sports bets are included, the overall decline in such revenue for the state was 9.5%.
Total gambling revenue in the state, including internet gambling and money won from in-person gamblers, was $491 million, up 7.4%.
New Jersey was the state whose court challenge to a federal ban on sports betting in most of the country resulted in a 2018 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court clearing the way for any state that wants it to offer legal sports betting.
Since then, New Jersey has been among the nationwide leaders in sports betting revenue.
But in June, according to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, sports betting generated $27.1 million in revenue for the casinos after winning bets and other expenses were paid out. With horse tracks included, the total revenue figure was $60 million.
“At first glance, a decline of nearly 24% in sports betting revenue for Atlantic City’s casino operators is a bit surprising given recent positive performance from that sector,” said Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, which studies the Atlantic City gambling market.
But she noted that not all the casinos or racetracks saw declines, adding that the total amount wagered during the month was actually a bit higher than average for June.
“It seems likely that the decline in sports betting revenue this June is a function of odds set by the oddsmakers, the bets made by the public, and the outcomes of live events,” she said. “At the end of the day there will always be some variability by nature in gambling activity.”
Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts Casino and of the Casino Association of New Jersey, was among industry officials attributing the decline in sports betting revenue to “mainly poor luck” in June.
Resorts Digital, his casino's online arm affiliated with the DraftKings sportsbook, was down 43.3% in June, to $14.3 million in sports betting revenue. The physical Resorts casino saw its sports betting revenue decline by 34% to just over $99,000.
The Ocean Casino swung from $82,000 in sports betting revenue last June to a loss of $18,725 this June.
And Monmouth Park Racetrack, near the Jersey Shore in Oceanport, saw a 37% decline in sports betting, to $904,000.
Other casinos saw better-than-expected sports betting revenue in June, including Bally's, which took in almost $1.9 million, up from $351,000 a year earlier, an increase of over 440%. Hard Rock nearly doubled its sports betting revenue in June, to $4.6 million.
In terms of overall gambling revenue, Borgata won $110 million, up 5.7%; Golden Nugget won $64.2 million, up nearly 20%; Hard Rock won $63.7 million, up 24.4%; Ocean won $39.6 million, down 0.4%; Tropicana won $38.5 million, up 30.7%; Bally's won $24.6 million, up over 27%; Caesars won $19.2 million, down over 11%; Harrah's won $19.1 million, down 8.8%, and Resorts won $15 million, down 2.3%.
But those figures include internet and sports betting money, much of which must be shared with parties including sports books and technology platforms, and is not solely for the casinos to keep.
For that reason, the casinos consider money won from in-person gamblers to be their core business. Only two casinos — Ocean, and Hard Rock — won more from in-person gamblers this June than they did in June 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic hit. This remains a source of continuing concern for Atlantic City's casinos and their parent companies.
10
Ocean City native Gay Talese among 2024 New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees
- Selena Vazquez
Gay Talese, a journalist from Ocean City considered one of the writers who started the New Journalism movement in the 1960s and '70s, is one of 18 inductees to the New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2024, the organization said Tuesday.
Talese, 92, was honored for being "a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of traditional journalism," the New Jersey Hall of Fame said in a news release.
Talese, a journalist for The New York Times and Esquire, is also an author who's written more than a dozen books, including the memoir "Unto the Sons" published in 1992, which outlined his family's history.
Others chosen to be inducted in this year's Hall of Fame class include actors Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd, director Kevin Smith, singer-songwriter Lesley Gore, Jersey Mike's Subs founder Peter Cancro, former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simmsand Elizabeth Coleman White, a botanist who developed the nation's first cultivated blueberry.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the state and the world since 2008. This will be the 16th ceremony the organization has hosted for more than 230 notable individuals and groups that have received the accolade.
The ceremony will be aired on social media and Fox5/My9 starting Nov. 13.
“The 2024 class of inductees of the New Jersey Hall of Fame illustrate the New Jersey ethic of hard work, determination, and grit,” said Jon F. Hanson, chairman of the Hall of Fame. “We are thrilled to celebrate the contributions of 18 new inductees so future generations can learn about their journeys.”
For more information on the event, visit njhof.org.
11
World War II fighter plane to appear at Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Musuem's Airfest 2024
- Vincent Rapallo
LOWER TOWNSHIP — The Military Aviation Museum's North American P-51D Mustang "Double Trouble Two" will fly in from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to appear at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Musuem's Airfest 2024 from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.
The P-51D is one of more than 15,500 Mustangs built, the NASW said Monday in a Facebook announcement. The Military Aviation Museum acquired the fighter plane in 2004 from its previous owner in Switzerland.
North American Aviation designed the Mustang in 1940 to satisfy a British order, with the prototype’s first flight taking place 149 days after the contract signing, the NASW said.
Upon the P-51 Mustang entering service, the Eighth Air Force's bomber units had a 77% rate of pilots dying between 1942 and 1944, the NASW said. The P-51 reversed the trend of high casualty rates, increasing mission requirements for bomber crews in the fight against the German Luftwaffe and leading to the creation of more models of the fighter plane.
The P-51D was built in 1945 and immediately went to England to join the Eighth Air Force, the NASW said.
The nickname "Double Trouble" originated from Lt. Col. William "Wild Bill" Bailey. Bailey dubbed his original aircraft, a 353rd Fighter Group Mustang, "Double Trouble" because he left two girlfriends at home in the United States. He gave his P-51D the nickname "Double Trouble Two" after another pilot crashed the original, the NASW said.
The Naval Air Station Wildwood museum is located on the grounds of the Cape May County Airport at 500 Forrestal Road. For more information, visit usnasw.org.
12
18-year-old Mays Landing man charged with attempted murder of 15-year-old
- Selena Vazquez
ATLANTIC CITY — An 18-year-old from Mays Landing has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting a 15-year-old in May, police said Tuesday.
Additional charges for Quamir Kirkland included unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child, joyriding and three counts of aggravated assault.
Officers responded to the 1400 block of Atlantic Avenue at 11:07 p.m. May 7 for a gunshot alert. Upon arrival, they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound, police said in a news release.
The victim was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus.
Officers obtained a description of the suspected vehicle involved in the incident and found it unoccupied in the 800 block of Maryland Avenue, police said. The vehicle had been reported stolen from Bellmawr, Camden County, and had evidence of gunfire inside.
Kirkland was already in custody at the Atlantic County jail for an unrelated matter when he was charged, police said.
13
Atlantic City woman, Philadelphia man sentenced in 2022 shooting
- Selena Vazquez
An Atlantic City woman and a Philadelphia man were eachsentenced Monday to five years in prison for a 2022 shooting in the city, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.
Jessica Bryant, 33, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and pointing a firearm in May. Once she's released, she will be subject to three years of parole supervision, the Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday in a news release.
Tawanne Williams, 42, also pleaded guilty in May to certain persons not to possess a handgun and obstructing the administration of law.
The charges stem from a shooting in summer 2022. Police responded to an area near the Carolina Villages apartment complex on North Carolina Avenue on Aug. 31. Officers found a man who was shot twice in his hand and hip area, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Through surveillance video, investigators identified Bryant as the one who committed the shooting. She fled the area in a rental car later determined to be driven by Williams, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Williams was stopped in the city in September 2022 driving the same rental car. Police found a handgun under the driver's seat, which was tested and determined to be the same firearm used in the shooting, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Bryant was apprehended months later in Galloway.
14
Garden State Parkway interchange on Fire Road closed due to accident
- Nicholas Huba
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — Garden State Parkway Exit 36 is closed due to a motor vehicle crash with injuries at the traffic signal on Fire Road, police saidTuesday.
Both the exit and entrance ramps are closed, police said.
Police are asking drivers to avoid the area.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
15
Atlantic City man sentenced in 2022 kidnapping
- John O'Connor
An Atlantic City man who admitted kidnapping someone before forcing them to withdraw money from an ATM nearly two years ago was sentenced to 18 years in prison Thursday, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.
Glen Graves, 33, pleaded guilty in May before Judge Bernard E. DeLury to aggravated assault, kidnapping, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose and resisting arrest by flight.
He was also sentenced to concurrent terms after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated assault, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose and eluding police from unrelated indictments.
Graves forced his way into a city apartment with a handgun Dec. 27, 2022, and forced the resident to drive to a local bank, where he withdrew $600 from the drive-thru ATM, the Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday in a news release.
After police received a 911 call, Graves attempted to evade capture. In the process, he discarded a pair of latex gloves and a loaded gun with a defaced serial number, the Prosecutor's Office said. Authorities identified Graves through surveillance video, witness statements and DNA testing of the gloves.
Graves was apprehended this spring by the Prosecutor's Office, FBI and Galloway Township police.
The other charges stem from an Aug. 5, 2022, incident in which Graves fired a handgun at an unoccupied vehicle while driving through Brigantine Homes in Atlantic City, and a Dec. 4, 2022, incident in which he eluded Egg Harbor City police by fleeing from a stolen vehicle during a stop, the Prosecutor's Office said.
16
Atlantic City man admits supplying fentanyl in 2023 drug death
- John O'Connor
An Atlantic City man admitted Monday selling fentanyl that led to the death of another man last year, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.
William Jenkins, 28, pleaded guilty to strict liability for causing a drug-induced death, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and unlawful possession of a prohibited weapon.
Jenkins faces up to 11 years in prison as part of his plea agreement, the Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday in a news release. His sentencing is scheduled for September.
Officers found a 44-year-old city man unresponsive with a syringe in his arm and nine folds of fentanyl in a parked vehicle July 5, 2023. An autopsy confirmed the victim, identified as B.F., died from fentanyl intoxication, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Investigators determined Jenkins had met with and sold fentanyl to thevictim.
A week later, a detective purchased fentanyl from Jenkins, who also supplied a can of the overdose drug naloxone while bragging about the strength of the product he was selling, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Jenkins was taken into custody after the undercover purchase, authorities said. Officers also found a long straight-blade knife consistent with a dagger in his pants pocket.
17
As closed NJ diners reopen and owners add new locations, confidence comes back on the menu
- Kevin RiordanThe Philadelphia Inquirer
The Malaga Diner in Franklin Township closed last November but will soon reopen with a new owner and a new name.
Geets Diner in Williamstown is no longer on the market and will continue operations; the Medport Diner in Medford, which faced demolition until a development deal fell through, will remain open for business.
Meanwhile, Hainesport's Diamond Diner closed in March but will reopen in September as the fourth location of the locally owned Pandora Diner chain.
And Amy's Omelette House is coming soon to the former Star View Diner in Somerdale. This will be the fourth location for the South Jersey-based company.
So much for the narrative about the death of the diner as imminent, underway, or inevitable, due to factors that may include changing tastes, new competition, rising real estate values, the reluctance of younger generations to take over family-run businesses, or all of the above.
'Your competition is another diner'
"It's a good business," said Yilmaz Kangal, 45, who owns the Millville Queen Diner in Millville, the Queen II Restaurant in Vineland, and expects to reopen the Malaga as the Jersey Diner in a few months.
Post-pandemic, "we're back to normal," he said. "I'm growing, but staying local, because I don't want to be too far from my businesses."
At Geets — a Black Horse Pike landmark in Gloucester County — diner veteran Paul Tsiknakis and his business partners will continue the operation. The new arrangement was first reported by 42Freeway and includes longtime owner Sandy Cannon.
"We came in and saw the value of the diner and my group decided to move in and revamp and try to keep Geets going," said Tsiknakis, 38. He established Ponzio's in Brooklawn (later the Metro Diner, now a Wawa) and later bought the long-distressed PB's Diner in Glassboro, renamed it the Monarch, and opened in 2019.
"I'm one of the few who still believe in the true Jersey diner," Tsiknakis said.
What a 'true Jersey diner' can be
"We have a Pandora right down the road from Geets," said Saban Pamuk, who along with a cousin owns the company. The firm also owns the Medport Diner, the potential closing of which earlier this year sparked an online petition and an outpouring of support.
"Diners are a community place," said Pamuk, who's 52 and is, like Kangal and Tsiknakis, from a diner family.
He wasn't sure whether the diner reopenings and expansions in South Jersey constitute a trend.
"A lot depends on the deal, and the circ*mstances," he said, adding, "but I think there will always be diners in New Jersey."
Said Tsiknakis: "Diners are forever in New Jersey, and the key is community. Some of our customers come in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And we get involved in the towns, sponsoring things and being a gathering place. You can't say that about national chains that are competing with us."
The opening of Amy's at the former Star View Diner site has been delayed due to "some unforeseen issues with the condition of the building," said Ted Kopsaftis, owner-operator of the company. "We are working with our contractors as quickly as possible. We are hoping it won't be much longer ... [and as] we get closer we will begin posting updates on our website and social media."
Sunnier days ahead?
Michael C. Gabriele, a Clifton, Passaic County, author who is an authority on and fan of New Jersey diners, said a post-pandemic "rebalancing" of the business is underway.
"I don't think things were as grim as the dire predictions made them seem," he said. "There are encouraging signs. I'm seeing and hearing about diners increasing their hours."
And diner nostalgia seems as strong as ever.
In Bridgewater, Somerset County, the Double AA minor league baseball team the Somerset Patriots are playing three games this summer under a new name.
It's part of a national promotion aimed at deepening connections with local communities, said Dave Merrick, marketing director.
"We decided to go with the Jersey Diners," he said. "Because New Jersey is the diner capital of the world."
18
Egg Harbor Township Planning Board votes to include possible Atlantic Shores site in Cardiff plan
- John O'Connor
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP— The township Planning Board voted unanimously Monday to include two parcels of land in the Cardiff redevelopment area, paving the way for Atlantic Shores to potentially develop a substation for its offshore wind farm on four acres along Hingston Avenue.
A near standing-room-only crowd packed the municipal building's H. Robert Switzer Courtroom to participate in the discussion. Some supporters and opponents of the wind project came from as far as Jersey City to share their thoughts with the board during a public comment period that lasted nearly two hours.
The two undeveloped lots had been valued at $311,000 combined. Atlantic Shores purchased them in January 2023 for more than $4.3 million, according to Atlantic County property records.
New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law sets the criteria for whether a piece of property can be considered an area in need of redevelopment. One of the criteria is that the land not be likely to be developed through private capital.
“Given the location of the parcels and lack of investment in the area, the parcels are not expected to be developed through the instrumentality of private capital,” an engineering report states.
Offshore wind opponents have said the company’s intentions are to erect an electrical substation in the township to receive the power generated offshore.
Atlantic Shores is one of three developers brought in to construct wind farms. The 1,510-megawatt facility would be located 10 to 20 miles off the coast between Atlantic City and Barnegat Light. The project is a joint collaboration between Shell New Energies and EDF-RE Offshore Development.
The project hasbeen met with scrutiny since it was first announced, and the majority of those who attended Monday's meeting were with groups such as Protect Our Coast NJ and Defend Brigantine Beach.
"We fully oppose the idea that these parcels that are owned by Atlantic Shores would be incorporated into the redevelopment plan because we know what they intend to use those parcels for," said Robin Shaffer, president of Protect Our Coast NJ. "I don't want to see overdevelopment and industrial development that is affecting lower-income communities. I don't think this is the right thing to do for the residents and taxpayers of Egg Harbor Township."
Resident Susan Swezeny supports wind turbines but disagrees with where the substation would be located.
"There has to be more than one vacant plot of land in Egg Harbor Township," Swezeny said. "You look at Shore Mall and other places that are underdeveloped. This is not the place to hand over to Atlantic Shores. As far as I'm concerned, windmills are going to be a wonderful thing for all of South Jersey. But this is not the place. This is taking something that might be really good and then throwing a lot of mud on it. Egg Harbor Township has probably already benefited quite big from this, but the township needs to do this right."
Township officials said last month that site-specific plans would still require further approval. Planning Board Chairman Manny Aponte assured the audience that the board will thoroughly review those plans once they become available.
"We are going to follow the process," Aponte said. "I think everyone is passionate about this. I listened to what everyone had to say and took down notes. When this project does come before us, we will take this seriously and ask a lot of tough questions."
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Sen. Bob Menendez guilty of taking bribes in cash and gold and acting as Egypt's foreign agent
- LARRY NEUMEISTER & PHILIP MARCELOAssociated Press
NEW YORK — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was convicted of all charges at his corruption trial Tuesday, including accepting bribes of gold and cash from three New Jersey businessmen and acting as a foreign agent for the Egyptian government.
Prosecutors said the Democrat abused the power of his office to protect allies from criminal investigations and enrich associates, including his wife, through acts that included meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials and softening his position toward that country as he speeded its access to millions of dollars in U.S. military aid.
Menendez, 70, looked toward the jury at times and appeared to mark a document in front of him as the verdict was read. Afterward, he sat resting his chin against his closed hands, elbows on the table. He and his lawyers vowed to appeal as they left the courthouse.
“I have never violated my public oath. I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country. I have never, ever been a foreign agent,” Menendez said before a collection of microphones outside the courthouse before walking briskly to a waiting car.
Menendez did not testify at the nine-week trial, but insisted publicly he was only doing his job as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He said gold bars found in his New Jersey home by the FBI belonged to his wife, Nadine Menendez. She too was charged but her trial was postponed so she could recover from breast cancer surgery. She has pleaded not guilty.
The verdict comes four months before Election Day and potentially dooms Menendez’s chances of winning reelection as an independent.
The trial’s outcome prompted a chorus of Democrats to call on Menendez to resign, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New Jersey’s junior senator, Cory Booker, and the party’s nominee to replace Menendez, Rep. Andy Kim.
“In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign,” Schumer’s statement said.
Gov. Phil Murphy, who would appoint Menendez’s replacement, urged the Senate to expel him if he doesn’t resign. It’s not clear whether Schumer would be willing to hold those votes. Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority. A senator has not been removed from office in over a century.
Curtis Bashaw, the Republican candidate for the seat, also called on Menendez to quit, saying New Jersey deserves better than “corruption and made-for-tv political scandals, courtesy of Bob Menendez and the Democratic machine.”
The Senate Ethics Committee, meanwhile, will complete its own investigation of Menendez “promptly” and consider a “full range of disciplinary actions,” according to a statement from Democrat Chris Coons and Republican James Lankford, the committee’s chairman and vice chairman. The probe adds further pressure on Menendez to voluntarily resign.
Menendez faces the possibility of decades in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 29. He was found guilty of 16 counts.
This was the second corruption trial for Menendez. An earlier prosecution on unrelated charges in 2017 ended with a deadlocked jury.
“This case has always been about shocking levels of corruption, hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in the form of cash, gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz. This wasn’t politics as usual, this was politics for profit. And now that a jury has convicted Bob Menendez, his years of selling his office to the highest bidder have finally come to an end,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said outside the courthouse shortly before Menendez came out.
Two co-defendants also were convicted. The New Jersey businessmen, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were accused of paying bribes. A third businessman, Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty prior to trial and testified against the others.
Hana’s lawyer, Lawrence Lustberg, said outside the courthouse that they would file motions to set aside the verdict. The American system of justice “has, in his view, let him down,” Lustberg said. Daibes’ lawyer, Cesar De Castro, also promised an appeal, saying: “We are extraordinarily disappointed ... We think the result was wrong.”
The jury’s decision followed a lengthy probe that included a June 2022 FBI raid on the couple’s home in Englewood Cliffs, a wealthy community just across the Hudson River from New York City. FBI agents seized gold bars worth nearly $150,000 and cash, mostly in stacks of $100 bills, totaling over $480,000. In the garage was a Mercedes-Benz convertible. A supervising agent testified that stacks of cash were stuffed in boots, shoeboxes and jackets belonging to the senator.
Prosecutors argued that the gold bars, cash and car were bribes. Defense lawyers disputed that, arguing that the gold belonged to his wife and she had kept him in the dark about financial troubles so grim that she nearly lost the home to foreclosure. They said the senator habitually hoarded money because his parents escaped Cuba in 1951 with only the cash they had hidden in a grandfather clock.
More shocking, though, were allegations that Menendez had earned some of it by using his powerful perch on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to benefit Egypt, an important U.S. ally but one often subject to American criticism over alleged human rights abuses.
Prosecutors said Nadine Menendez held herself out as a conduit to her powerful husband, exchanging texts with an Egyptian general and helping to arrange a Washington visit by the chief of Egypt’s intelligence service. To one general she texted, “Anytime you need anything you have my number and we will make everything happen.”
Sen. Menendez, prosecutors said, took actions to ingratiate himself with Egyptian officials, including providing them with information about the staff at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwriting a letter to fellow senators encouraging them to lift a hold on $300 million in military aid. The senator also told his wife to let her Egyptian contacts know he planned to sign off on $99 million in tank ammunition.
Charges, originally announced last September, were expanded over time, eventually including bribery, extortion, fraud, obstruction of justice, conspiracy and, for Menendez, acting as a foreign agent of Egypt.
Prosecutors said serial numbers on the gold bars and fingerprints on tape that bound together the stacks of cash were traced to Hana and Daibes. Some fingerprints on tape, they said, belonged to Menendez. And in return, prosecutors said, Menendez took numerous actions to benefit the businessmen.
Those included protecting Egypt’s decision to award Hana a lucrative monopoly to certify that meat sent to Egypt met Islamic dietary requirements. Menendez asked a U.S. agriculture official to drop his opposition to the monopoly deal despite concerns that it would drive up prices.
Uribe testified at the trial that he paid for Nadine Menendez to get a Mercedes-Benz convertible in exchange for the senator’s help assuring that his insurance business would not be affected by New Jersey criminal probes of a trucking company belonging to his friend.
Prosecutors also said Sen. Menendez attempted to interfere in a federal criminal prosecution of Daibes, a politically influential real estate developer accused of bank fraud. The U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Philip Sellinger, testified at the trial that Menendez questioned him about the Daibes prosecution and said he believed he was “being treated unfairly.”
Prosecutors also presented evidence that Menendez took actions favorable to Qatar’s government to help Daibes secure a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund.
Menendez’s political career began in 1974 when, only two years out of high school, he was elected to the education board in Union City, New Jersey. He later served in the state Legislature, then was elected to the U.S. House in 1992. He became a U.S. senator in 2006.
Brick Township man sought in Ocean County murder plot arrested
- Press staff reports
A Brick Township man sought in an Ocean County murder plot that included a Barnegat Township woman was arrested Tuesday, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.
Jared Krysiak, 34, had been charged Saturday with hindering apprehension and desecration of human remains in a series of events that occurred in Toms River and Jackson Township on or about July 3. He was taken into custody in Marlboro, Monmouth County, by Prosecutor's Office detectives and Toms River police and was transported to the Ocean County jail.
Krysiak; Danielle Bolstad, 42, of Barnegat; and several others are accused of working together to dispose of the body of Toms River homeowner Kerry Rollason, 56, the Prosecutor's Office said previously. Bolstad also is being held in the county jail.
Manchester Township police and U.S. Marshals responded to a home on Ravenwood Drive in Toms River on July 5 and found Maxwell Johnston, 35, of Manchester Township, who was wanted in the June 27 murder of Gabriella Caroleo, 25, of Seaside Heights, the Prosecutor's Office saidMonday in a news release.
Upon police arrival, Bolstad, Krysiak and Jarred Palumbo, 36, of Manchester, exited the home while Elizabeth Mascarelli, 29, of Seaside Heights, and Johnston remained inside, the Prosecutor's Office said.
After several hours, Mascarelli came out of the home while Johnston ended up dying by self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Prosecutor's Office said. Investigators determined Mascarelli allowed Johnston to stay in the home for four days despite her knowledge of Caroleo's murder and Johnston's alleged involvement in it.
While Caroleo's death was being investigated, authorities received information that another murder might have taken place at the Ravenwood Drive home July 3, and that evidence was at a home on Toms River Road in Jackson, the Prosecutor's Office said.
On Friday, several black bags containing body parts were found at the Jackson home while a defaced .22 caliber handgun and other evidence were found at the Toms River home, indicating the murder took place at that location, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Rollason, who owned the Ravenwood Drive residence, was identified as the victim, and an autopsy determined he died from multiple gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Investigators determined Johnston was responsible for Rollason's murder, while Mascarelli, Bolstad, Krysiak and Palumbo assisted him in getting rid of the body, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Chipotle opens Cape May Court House location
- Press staff reports
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE— Chipotle Mexican Grill opened a new location with drive-thru Tuesday at 9 Broadway Road.
The new location is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Menu items include traditional Mexican fare such as tacos, burritos and chips, as well as chicken al pastor, which the chain says is available for a limited time.
According to a news release from the company, it is hiring for the new location and offers a crew bonus with the opportunity to earn an extra month’s pay each year, a debt-free college degree program, and access to mental health care for employees and their families.
Each location has about 30 employees, the company said.
What happens to Sen. Bob Menendez's seat after his conviction?
- MIKE CATALINIAssociated Press
TRENTON — New Jersey Democrat Bob Menendez on Tuesday became one of just a handful of U.S. senators to be convicted of a crime while in office — and the first ever found guilty of being an agent of a foreign government — raising questions about whether he will be able to serve out the remainder of his term.
Within minutes of the jury's verdict, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had called for Menendez's resignation, while Gov. Phil Murphy urged the Senate to expel Menendez if he refuses to leave.
Menendez, 70, did not comment on his political plans in brief remarks after the jury found him guilty of accepting bribes of gold and cash from three New Jersey businessmen and acting as a foreign agent for the Egyptian government. He maintained his innocence, saying: “I have every faith that the law and the facts did not sustain that decision, and that we will be successful upon appeal.”
Menendez’s term ends in January and he’s said he’s running for a fourth term as an independent. The judge set his sentencing date for Oct. 29 — a week before the November election.
Here is a closer look at what could happen to Menendez's seat.
Expulsion
The Constitution gives Congress the power to punish its members and requires a two-thirds majority to expel a lawmaker. Democrats have a tenuous hold on the majority thanks to independent members caucusing with them. Whether they might decide to pursue expulsion isn't clear.
“There is no requirement or rule requiring expulsion votes or hearings if a member is convicted of a crime,” according to Josh Howard, assistant historian at the Senate Historical Office. “It would be up to the Majority Leader and/or Senate Select Committee on Ethics to determine next steps, if there are any.”
What is certain is that expulsion hasn't happened in more than 160 years. The last such vote was in 1862, according to the Senate, and by far most of the 15 senators who were expelled were booted for supporting the Confederacy.
Resignation
Other senators throughout history who faced possible expulsion opted instead to resign.
Prior to his conviction, Menendez had already bucked pressure from leading Democrats in his state as well as Senate colleagues to resign.
The last senator convicted of a crime while in office, Ted Stevens of Alaska, also refused to quit and was ousted in an election, only to have his conviction wiped out by an appeals court over alleged prosecutorial misconduct.
The last senator to resign was Harrison Williams Jr., also a New Jersey Democrat who was convicted of bribery. He resigned in 1982 before the Senate could vote on whether to expel him.
What if there's a vacancy?
New Jersey law allows the governor to appoint a senator to fill the vacancy, though it's not required.
Murphy said after the verdict that in the event of a vacancy: “I will exercise my duty to make a temporary appointment to ensure the people of New Jersey have the representation they deserve.”
He did not say who that would be. The Democratic Party has already nominated Rep. Andy Kim as its candidate in November.
Would Murphy tap Kim so he could potentially gain some seniority ahead of a possible victory in deeply Democratic New Jersey? Or might Murphy appoint his wife, first lady Tammy Murphy, who had launched a campaign for Menendez's seat but dropped out after it became clear she faced a contentious battle against Kim?
Choosing his wife could be a political “non-starter," said Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University.
Curtis Bashaw, the Republican candidate for the seat, already linked Tuesday's corruption verdict to “the Democratic machine.” And Murphy said shortly after the Menendez indictment was unsealed last year and before her short-lived Senate candidacy that he didn't see a scenario where he would appoint her to the seat.
What if there's no vacancy?
The state Democratic Party abandoned Menendez after the indictment was unsealed last September, and he opted not to run in the primary as a Democrat. Republicans haven't won a Senate seat in more than five decades in New Jersey, and Democrats have expressed confidence in Kim.
Still, it's unclear how Menendez's candidacy could affect the race if he stays in it.
He could still run for reelection and hold onto his seat, even if he's facing or serving prison time, according to the National Constitution Center, a private nonprofit that focuses on constitutional education.
Atlantic County service providers asked to fill out homelessness survey
- John O'Connor
The Greater Atlantic City Chamber and local leaders are urging Atlantic County human service providers to fill out a survey as part of an effort to better address homelessness in the county, chamber officials said Monday.
The goal of the survey is to gather insights into the work being done by various agencies, nonprofits, shelters and service providers throughout the county to support the unhoused, chamber officials said.
"Our communities thrive when we come together and work cooperatively to address its most pressing issues,” chamber President Michael Chait said in a statement. “This survey represents a pivotal first step in understanding homelessness in Atlantic County and will guide our efforts to combat homelessness. By developing effective, impactful solutions that are guided by firsthand knowledge and experience, we hope to address issues at the core and affect lasting change that will help improve our communities for generations to come.”
State Sen. Vince Polistina and Assembly members Don Guardian and Claire Swift, all R-Atlantic, said they hope the data will address the needs of people who are unsheltered in the county, identify gaps in services and resources, inspire effective strategies while improving and increasing support systems, lead to a more comprehensive, thorough understanding of the services provided and help create a more cohesive, collaborative environment between residents and providers.
"Tackling homelessness requires a unified and informed approach. By gathering data from those on the front lines, we can develop strategies that are both compassionate and effective,” Polistina saidin a statement. “I am confident that this collaborative effort will bring us closer to ensuring that every resident of Atlantic County has a safe place to call home."
The idea for the survey came from the Human Services Summit organized by the legislators in April.
"Collaboration is key to tackling homelessness in Atlantic County. This survey will help us identify gaps, share best practices, and ultimately, create a more coordinated response,” Guardian said. "I strongly encourage all service providers to participate and contribute to this essential initiative.”
To fill out the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/736PSDB.
"Addressing homelessness is a shared responsibility, and this survey is a critical tool in our efforts to understand and alleviate this complex issue,” Swift said. “We need the insights and experiences of all our community partners to drive meaningful change and provide better support for those in need."
CRDA says yes to 2 more Atlantic City cannabis spots
- Bill Barlow
ATLANTIC CITY— The city’s cannabis gold rush continues, with the 31st site plan approval of a proposed dispensary at 1624 Pacific Ave., next door to another planned dispensary.
The Board of Directors of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority on Tuesday granted minor site plan approval to Score 420 DJ Inc. for a Class 5 cannabis dispensary at the site, which was a former law office. There is no parking on site, but the business leased space for eight cars in a neighboring lot, CRDA Planning Director Lance Landgraf told the board.
At the same meeting, the board gave site plan approval to Hammerhead Manufacturing Co. NJ LLC for a manufacturing facility to turn marijuana plants into products such as edibles, what is known as a Class 2 license.
That site is at 112 Park Place, within the parking garage for The Claridge hotel, a fifth-floor section that has most recently been used for office space, Landgraf told the board.
Board member Mike Beson, who has consistently voted against cannabis applications, has asked for a running tally of the number of applications. So far, Landgraf told him, three manufacturing sites have been granted site plan approval.
“So there will be two cannabis dispensaries right next to each other?” Beson said.
“Correct,” Landgraf replied.
A CRDA vote is just one of the approvals needed for a business to start legally selling cannabis in Atlantic City, with the most significant step coming from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, which is charged with licensing legal cannabis companies.
There are more than 150 licensed dispensaries in the state so far, with seven open in Atlantic City, in addition to one that is open only to those with medical marijuana cards. For the first quarter of 2024, statewide sales totaled more than $201 million, up 38% over the same period the year before.
Atlantic City has gone all in, establishing a sizable “green zone” covering much of the commercial areas of the city. That includes the Tourism District, where the CRDA holds planning and zoning authority, which is what brings the CRDA board into the picture.
There have been times at which CRDA board members have asked just how much weed will be too much, but for the most part, cannabis site plan approvals have become a routine element of board meetings. Usually, Beson is the loneno vote.
If all of the proposed locations eventually open, for which there is no guarantee, there could be several instances where competing dispensaries are located next door or nearby. Score 420 DJ is located across the street from the Carnegie Library and near the former location of The Sands casino, which was demolished in 2007.
The location is less than 1,000 feet from the other site plan approved Tuesday. Landgraf said the proposal will not result in any reduction in parking.
The first floor of the building already has a dispensary, Design 710, and it is close to the High Roller dispensary inside the Claridge. There will not be any changes to the exterior of the building.
No sales to the public will occur at the site, Landgraf said.
City officials see cannabis as an economic driver. In multiple instances, cannabis businesses have rehabilitated formerly vacant space in old buildings, and there are plans to demolish a former church at Pennsylvania and Pacific avenues to make way for a dispensary and consumption lounge.
Atlantic City preparing youth for future with summer work program
- John O'Connor
ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City High School football wide receiver Sah’nye Degraffenreidt says youth programs around the city made a major impact on his life as he gets ready to play college football at Rutgers University in 2025.
“I’ve been here from the very start,” said Degraffenreidt, 17, who has been involved in the city’s anti-violence program One Neighborhood Evolution. “It means a lot to see how this has grown because when I first started there was seven of us.”
In a continued effort to make a positive impact on the youth, representatives from the anti-violence program, city officials, the Atlantic County Office of Workforce Development, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the National Action Network gathered Tuesday afternoon outside the Carnegie Library to announce that more than 300 children and young adults are gaining valuable life experience through a summer work program.
Attendees heard remarks from various speakers before Mayor Marty Small Sr. led a tour through the building to give the public an opportunity to see the kids working in fields such as entrepreneurship, fashion design, podcasting, graphic design, coding and web design.
“At the end of this program, the students in this class will be able to do basic data entry functions like being able to write prompts to begin pieces of data and know what they want to do with it,” said Salih Israil, who was teaching a class on computer coding.
The project, originally called Leaders in Training, was established in 2019 by the Rev. Collins Days of Second Baptist Church and Joe Jingoli, co-owner of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
However, interest in the program grew and many youths wanting to work were left on a waiting list, leading the city to collaborate with the county, CRDA and National Action Network to launch a revamped program.
“There was a waiting list of kids,” Small said. “So, we made the financial commitment to make sure that any kid in the city who wanted to work had the opportunity.”
The program involves 24 businesses, with six located inside the Carnegie building and 18 others, including hotels, restaurants and the Police Athletic League, employing youth off site.
Shermaine Gunter-Gary, the program’s administrator, said its interest has increased over the years as more businesses look to sign up.
“We are getting ready to increase that to six more work sites,” Gunter-Gary said.
Participants of the paid program set goals for themselves at the beginning of the summer, then evaluate at the end of the summer what they learned and the training they received, Gunter-Gary said.
“The importance comes in the results,” Gunter-Gary said. “We basically start out with baseline data on all of our youth and then we have different parameters that we look at to see what their achievements will be. They’ll have an exit interview at the end to see how well they did and what their attendance and attitude was like. We also get a lot of the work site supervisors to evaluate and let us know.”
Small hopes to expand the program and eventually make it something that takes place year-round.
“This is a challenge to the business community, if you want to help keep kids off the street, help fund this program,” Small said. “We want to extend this program into the fall, the winter and next spring. We have resources, but when we combine all of them, no one has to everything when we can all pitch in and continue to make this program go.”
Warran Grove Forest fire grows to 600 acres; 50% contained
- Nicholas Huba
BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP — A fast-moving forest fire broke out Tuesday at a major military gunnery range in southern New Jersey, but no injuries or property damage has been reported.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded around 2:15 p.m. to the Warren Grove Air to Ground Range in Ocean County, where weapons testing had been scheduled for late Tuesday morning. It wasn't immediately clear if the testing had taken place and, if it did, played a role in the fire.
The blaze had burned roughly 600 acres by late Tuesday night. The fire is approximately 50% contained. Fire service said crews were burning brush ahead of the blaze to prevent its spread.
The range covers 9,400 acres and 60 miles of airspace, according to the New Jersey National Guard. It’s used for a variety of military exercises, including weapons delivery practice for helicopters and other aircraft teams, laser training, and gunnery and munitions drills.
The range, which is secluded from roads by dense forests, is about 34 miles south of Joint Base Maguire-Dix-Lakehurst, one of the largest military facilities in New Jersey. It also was the scene of a 2007 fire that burned 17,000 acres and led to the evacuation of thousands of residents. That fire, which was touched off when a pilot dropped a flare into the range during a training exercise, destroyed four homes and damaged about 50 others.
The next update on the fire was expected about 10 a.m. Wednesday .
Plain old bad luck? NJ sports betting revenue down 24% at casinos, 9.5% overall in June
- WAYNE PARRYAssociated Press
ATLANTIC CITY — New Jersey's casinos saw their sports betting revenue decline by nearly 24% in June, and sports betting revenue overall in the state declined by 9.5%, according to figures released Tuesday by state gambling regulators.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reported that the nine casinos collectively saw their sports betting revenue decline by 23.9% in June compared with a year earlier.
When the three horse tracks that take sports bets are included, the overall decline in such revenue for the state was 9.5%.
Total gambling revenue in the state, including internet gambling and money won from in-person gamblers, was $491 million, up 7.4%.
New Jersey was the state whose court challenge to a federal ban on sports betting in most of the country resulted in a 2018 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court clearing the way for any state that wants it to offer legal sports betting.
Since then, New Jersey has been among the nationwide leaders in sports betting revenue.
But in June, according to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, sports betting generated $27.1 million in revenue for the casinos after winning bets and other expenses were paid out. With horse tracks included, the total revenue figure was $60 million.
“At first glance, a decline of nearly 24% in sports betting revenue for Atlantic City’s casino operators is a bit surprising given recent positive performance from that sector,” said Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, which studies the Atlantic City gambling market.
But she noted that not all the casinos or racetracks saw declines, adding that the total amount wagered during the month was actually a bit higher than average for June.
“It seems likely that the decline in sports betting revenue this June is a function of odds set by the oddsmakers, the bets made by the public, and the outcomes of live events,” she said. “At the end of the day there will always be some variability by nature in gambling activity.”
Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts Casino and of the Casino Association of New Jersey, was among industry officials attributing the decline in sports betting revenue to “mainly poor luck” in June.
Resorts Digital, his casino's online arm affiliated with the DraftKings sportsbook, was down 43.3% in June, to $14.3 million in sports betting revenue. The physical Resorts casino saw its sports betting revenue decline by 34% to just over $99,000.
The Ocean Casino swung from $82,000 in sports betting revenue last June to a loss of $18,725 this June.
And Monmouth Park Racetrack, near the Jersey Shore in Oceanport, saw a 37% decline in sports betting, to $904,000.
Other casinos saw better-than-expected sports betting revenue in June, including Bally's, which took in almost $1.9 million, up from $351,000 a year earlier, an increase of over 440%. Hard Rock nearly doubled its sports betting revenue in June, to $4.6 million.
In terms of overall gambling revenue, Borgata won $110 million, up 5.7%; Golden Nugget won $64.2 million, up nearly 20%; Hard Rock won $63.7 million, up 24.4%; Ocean won $39.6 million, down 0.4%; Tropicana won $38.5 million, up 30.7%; Bally's won $24.6 million, up over 27%; Caesars won $19.2 million, down over 11%; Harrah's won $19.1 million, down 8.8%, and Resorts won $15 million, down 2.3%.
But those figures include internet and sports betting money, much of which must be shared with parties including sports books and technology platforms, and is not solely for the casinos to keep.
For that reason, the casinos consider money won from in-person gamblers to be their core business. Only two casinos — Ocean, and Hard Rock — won more from in-person gamblers this June than they did in June 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic hit. This remains a source of continuing concern for Atlantic City's casinos and their parent companies.
Ocean City native Gay Talese among 2024 New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees
- Selena Vazquez
Gay Talese, a journalist from Ocean City considered one of the writers who started the New Journalism movement in the 1960s and '70s, is one of 18 inductees to the New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2024, the organization said Tuesday.
Talese, 92, was honored for being "a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of traditional journalism," the New Jersey Hall of Fame said in a news release.
Talese, a journalist for The New York Times and Esquire, is also an author who's written more than a dozen books, including the memoir "Unto the Sons" published in 1992, which outlined his family's history.
Others chosen to be inducted in this year's Hall of Fame class include actors Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd, director Kevin Smith, singer-songwriter Lesley Gore, Jersey Mike's Subs founder Peter Cancro, former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simmsand Elizabeth Coleman White, a botanist who developed the nation's first cultivated blueberry.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the state and the world since 2008. This will be the 16th ceremony the organization has hosted for more than 230 notable individuals and groups that have received the accolade.
The ceremony will be aired on social media and Fox5/My9 starting Nov. 13.
“The 2024 class of inductees of the New Jersey Hall of Fame illustrate the New Jersey ethic of hard work, determination, and grit,” said Jon F. Hanson, chairman of the Hall of Fame. “We are thrilled to celebrate the contributions of 18 new inductees so future generations can learn about their journeys.”
For more information on the event, visit njhof.org.
World War II fighter plane to appear at Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Musuem's Airfest 2024
- Vincent Rapallo
LOWER TOWNSHIP — The Military Aviation Museum's North American P-51D Mustang "Double Trouble Two" will fly in from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to appear at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Musuem's Airfest 2024 from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.
The P-51D is one of more than 15,500 Mustangs built, the NASW said Monday in a Facebook announcement. The Military Aviation Museum acquired the fighter plane in 2004 from its previous owner in Switzerland.
North American Aviation designed the Mustang in 1940 to satisfy a British order, with the prototype’s first flight taking place 149 days after the contract signing, the NASW said.
Upon the P-51 Mustang entering service, the Eighth Air Force's bomber units had a 77% rate of pilots dying between 1942 and 1944, the NASW said. The P-51 reversed the trend of high casualty rates, increasing mission requirements for bomber crews in the fight against the German Luftwaffe and leading to the creation of more models of the fighter plane.
The P-51D was built in 1945 and immediately went to England to join the Eighth Air Force, the NASW said.
The nickname "Double Trouble" originated from Lt. Col. William "Wild Bill" Bailey. Bailey dubbed his original aircraft, a 353rd Fighter Group Mustang, "Double Trouble" because he left two girlfriends at home in the United States. He gave his P-51D the nickname "Double Trouble Two" after another pilot crashed the original, the NASW said.
The Naval Air Station Wildwood museum is located on the grounds of the Cape May County Airport at 500 Forrestal Road. For more information, visit usnasw.org.
18-year-old Mays Landing man charged with attempted murder of 15-year-old
- Selena Vazquez
ATLANTIC CITY — An 18-year-old from Mays Landing has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting a 15-year-old in May, police said Tuesday.
Additional charges for Quamir Kirkland included unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child, joyriding and three counts of aggravated assault.
Officers responded to the 1400 block of Atlantic Avenue at 11:07 p.m. May 7 for a gunshot alert. Upon arrival, they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound, police said in a news release.
The victim was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus.
Officers obtained a description of the suspected vehicle involved in the incident and found it unoccupied in the 800 block of Maryland Avenue, police said. The vehicle had been reported stolen from Bellmawr, Camden County, and had evidence of gunfire inside.
Kirkland was already in custody at the Atlantic County jail for an unrelated matter when he was charged, police said.
Atlantic City woman, Philadelphia man sentenced in 2022 shooting
- Selena Vazquez
An Atlantic City woman and a Philadelphia man were eachsentenced Monday to five years in prison for a 2022 shooting in the city, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.
Jessica Bryant, 33, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and pointing a firearm in May. Once she's released, she will be subject to three years of parole supervision, the Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday in a news release.
Tawanne Williams, 42, also pleaded guilty in May to certain persons not to possess a handgun and obstructing the administration of law.
The charges stem from a shooting in summer 2022. Police responded to an area near the Carolina Villages apartment complex on North Carolina Avenue on Aug. 31. Officers found a man who was shot twice in his hand and hip area, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Through surveillance video, investigators identified Bryant as the one who committed the shooting. She fled the area in a rental car later determined to be driven by Williams, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Williams was stopped in the city in September 2022 driving the same rental car. Police found a handgun under the driver's seat, which was tested and determined to be the same firearm used in the shooting, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Bryant was apprehended months later in Galloway.
Garden State Parkway interchange on Fire Road closed due to accident
- Nicholas Huba
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — Garden State Parkway Exit 36 is closed due to a motor vehicle crash with injuries at the traffic signal on Fire Road, police saidTuesday.
Both the exit and entrance ramps are closed, police said.
Police are asking drivers to avoid the area.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Atlantic City man sentenced in 2022 kidnapping
- John O'Connor
An Atlantic City man who admitted kidnapping someone before forcing them to withdraw money from an ATM nearly two years ago was sentenced to 18 years in prison Thursday, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.
Glen Graves, 33, pleaded guilty in May before Judge Bernard E. DeLury to aggravated assault, kidnapping, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose and resisting arrest by flight.
He was also sentenced to concurrent terms after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated assault, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose and eluding police from unrelated indictments.
Graves forced his way into a city apartment with a handgun Dec. 27, 2022, and forced the resident to drive to a local bank, where he withdrew $600 from the drive-thru ATM, the Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday in a news release.
After police received a 911 call, Graves attempted to evade capture. In the process, he discarded a pair of latex gloves and a loaded gun with a defaced serial number, the Prosecutor's Office said. Authorities identified Graves through surveillance video, witness statements and DNA testing of the gloves.
Graves was apprehended this spring by the Prosecutor's Office, FBI and Galloway Township police.
The other charges stem from an Aug. 5, 2022, incident in which Graves fired a handgun at an unoccupied vehicle while driving through Brigantine Homes in Atlantic City, and a Dec. 4, 2022, incident in which he eluded Egg Harbor City police by fleeing from a stolen vehicle during a stop, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Atlantic City man admits supplying fentanyl in 2023 drug death
- John O'Connor
An Atlantic City man admitted Monday selling fentanyl that led to the death of another man last year, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.
William Jenkins, 28, pleaded guilty to strict liability for causing a drug-induced death, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and unlawful possession of a prohibited weapon.
Jenkins faces up to 11 years in prison as part of his plea agreement, the Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday in a news release. His sentencing is scheduled for September.
Officers found a 44-year-old city man unresponsive with a syringe in his arm and nine folds of fentanyl in a parked vehicle July 5, 2023. An autopsy confirmed the victim, identified as B.F., died from fentanyl intoxication, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Investigators determined Jenkins had met with and sold fentanyl to thevictim.
A week later, a detective purchased fentanyl from Jenkins, who also supplied a can of the overdose drug naloxone while bragging about the strength of the product he was selling, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Jenkins was taken into custody after the undercover purchase, authorities said. Officers also found a long straight-blade knife consistent with a dagger in his pants pocket.
As closed NJ diners reopen and owners add new locations, confidence comes back on the menu
- Kevin RiordanThe Philadelphia Inquirer
The Malaga Diner in Franklin Township closed last November but will soon reopen with a new owner and a new name.
Geets Diner in Williamstown is no longer on the market and will continue operations; the Medport Diner in Medford, which faced demolition until a development deal fell through, will remain open for business.
Meanwhile, Hainesport's Diamond Diner closed in March but will reopen in September as the fourth location of the locally owned Pandora Diner chain.
And Amy's Omelette House is coming soon to the former Star View Diner in Somerdale. This will be the fourth location for the South Jersey-based company.
So much for the narrative about the death of the diner as imminent, underway, or inevitable, due to factors that may include changing tastes, new competition, rising real estate values, the reluctance of younger generations to take over family-run businesses, or all of the above.
'Your competition is another diner'
"It's a good business," said Yilmaz Kangal, 45, who owns the Millville Queen Diner in Millville, the Queen II Restaurant in Vineland, and expects to reopen the Malaga as the Jersey Diner in a few months.
Post-pandemic, "we're back to normal," he said. "I'm growing, but staying local, because I don't want to be too far from my businesses."
At Geets — a Black Horse Pike landmark in Gloucester County — diner veteran Paul Tsiknakis and his business partners will continue the operation. The new arrangement was first reported by 42Freeway and includes longtime owner Sandy Cannon.
"We came in and saw the value of the diner and my group decided to move in and revamp and try to keep Geets going," said Tsiknakis, 38. He established Ponzio's in Brooklawn (later the Metro Diner, now a Wawa) and later bought the long-distressed PB's Diner in Glassboro, renamed it the Monarch, and opened in 2019.
"I'm one of the few who still believe in the true Jersey diner," Tsiknakis said.
What a 'true Jersey diner' can be
"We have a Pandora right down the road from Geets," said Saban Pamuk, who along with a cousin owns the company. The firm also owns the Medport Diner, the potential closing of which earlier this year sparked an online petition and an outpouring of support.
"Diners are a community place," said Pamuk, who's 52 and is, like Kangal and Tsiknakis, from a diner family.
He wasn't sure whether the diner reopenings and expansions in South Jersey constitute a trend.
"A lot depends on the deal, and the circ*mstances," he said, adding, "but I think there will always be diners in New Jersey."
Said Tsiknakis: "Diners are forever in New Jersey, and the key is community. Some of our customers come in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And we get involved in the towns, sponsoring things and being a gathering place. You can't say that about national chains that are competing with us."
The opening of Amy's at the former Star View Diner site has been delayed due to "some unforeseen issues with the condition of the building," said Ted Kopsaftis, owner-operator of the company. "We are working with our contractors as quickly as possible. We are hoping it won't be much longer ... [and as] we get closer we will begin posting updates on our website and social media."
Sunnier days ahead?
Michael C. Gabriele, a Clifton, Passaic County, author who is an authority on and fan of New Jersey diners, said a post-pandemic "rebalancing" of the business is underway.
"I don't think things were as grim as the dire predictions made them seem," he said. "There are encouraging signs. I'm seeing and hearing about diners increasing their hours."
And diner nostalgia seems as strong as ever.
In Bridgewater, Somerset County, the Double AA minor league baseball team the Somerset Patriots are playing three games this summer under a new name.
It's part of a national promotion aimed at deepening connections with local communities, said Dave Merrick, marketing director.
"We decided to go with the Jersey Diners," he said. "Because New Jersey is the diner capital of the world."
Egg Harbor Township Planning Board votes to include possible Atlantic Shores site in Cardiff plan
- John O'Connor
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP— The township Planning Board voted unanimously Monday to include two parcels of land in the Cardiff redevelopment area, paving the way for Atlantic Shores to potentially develop a substation for its offshore wind farm on four acres along Hingston Avenue.
A near standing-room-only crowd packed the municipal building's H. Robert Switzer Courtroom to participate in the discussion. Some supporters and opponents of the wind project came from as far as Jersey City to share their thoughts with the board during a public comment period that lasted nearly two hours.
The two undeveloped lots had been valued at $311,000 combined. Atlantic Shores purchased them in January 2023 for more than $4.3 million, according to Atlantic County property records.
New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law sets the criteria for whether a piece of property can be considered an area in need of redevelopment. One of the criteria is that the land not be likely to be developed through private capital.
“Given the location of the parcels and lack of investment in the area, the parcels are not expected to be developed through the instrumentality of private capital,” an engineering report states.
Offshore wind opponents have said the company’s intentions are to erect an electrical substation in the township to receive the power generated offshore.
Atlantic Shores is one of three developers brought in to construct wind farms. The 1,510-megawatt facility would be located 10 to 20 miles off the coast between Atlantic City and Barnegat Light. The project is a joint collaboration between Shell New Energies and EDF-RE Offshore Development.
The project hasbeen met with scrutiny since it was first announced, and the majority of those who attended Monday's meeting were with groups such as Protect Our Coast NJ and Defend Brigantine Beach.
"We fully oppose the idea that these parcels that are owned by Atlantic Shores would be incorporated into the redevelopment plan because we know what they intend to use those parcels for," said Robin Shaffer, president of Protect Our Coast NJ. "I don't want to see overdevelopment and industrial development that is affecting lower-income communities. I don't think this is the right thing to do for the residents and taxpayers of Egg Harbor Township."
Resident Susan Swezeny supports wind turbines but disagrees with where the substation would be located.
"There has to be more than one vacant plot of land in Egg Harbor Township," Swezeny said. "You look at Shore Mall and other places that are underdeveloped. This is not the place to hand over to Atlantic Shores. As far as I'm concerned, windmills are going to be a wonderful thing for all of South Jersey. But this is not the place. This is taking something that might be really good and then throwing a lot of mud on it. Egg Harbor Township has probably already benefited quite big from this, but the township needs to do this right."
Township officials said last month that site-specific plans would still require further approval. Planning Board Chairman Manny Aponte assured the audience that the board will thoroughly review those plans once they become available.
"We are going to follow the process," Aponte said. "I think everyone is passionate about this. I listened to what everyone had to say and took down notes. When this project does come before us, we will take this seriously and ask a lot of tough questions."
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'; oEngagementContainer_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430.append(sHTML_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430); } }); } // Build engagement set $.each(oResponse.assets, function(index) { if (index == 1 && sOriginID_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 == null) { sOriginID_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = oResponse.assets[0].id; } // Display assets once origin is found // Find origin then begin displaying assets if (bFoundOrigin_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 == true) { if (this.id == sOriginID_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430) { // Found orgin a second time. Stop gathering assets and kill next_url bStop_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = true; sNextUrl_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = null; oEngagementMore_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430.remove(); } else if (bStop_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 == false && this.id != '69e014de-43c0-11ef-b1bb-430148a53430') { // Display asset var sHTML_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = ''; if (this.content.includes('engagement-asset') && iDisplayCount_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 < iMaxDisplay_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430) { iDisplayCount_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 ++; sHTML_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 += '
' + this.content + '
'; } } } else { if (this.id == sOriginID_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430) { // Origin found. Begin displaying assets bFoundOrigin_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = true; } else { // Origin found is false. Skip asset // Fail-safe in case origin is not present in set. This can be removed when origin is fixed. if (bFirstRun_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 == true) { // Stored first id sFirstID_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = this.id; bFirstRun_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = false; } else if (this.id == sFirstID_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430) { // We've started again. Force origin sOriginID_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = sFirstID_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430; bFoundOrigin_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = true; } // end Fail-safe } } // Append engagement assets to container oEngagementContainer_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430.append(sHTML_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430); // Stop traversing asset array if (iDisplayCount_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 >= iMaxDisplay_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430) { bStop_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = true; return false; } }); // Include block_id on newly added list items oEngagementContainer_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430.find('.engagement-item.original').each(function() { var sHref_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = scrubURL($(this).find("a.centered-content-link").attr("href")); if(sHref_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430!="javascript:void(0)"){ // Add content discovery tracking sHref_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 += '#tncms-source=endcard-gallery'; // Add to image and headlines links $(this).removeClass('original').find("a.centered-content-link").attr("href", sHref_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430); } }); // Check next URL if (sNextUrl_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 && bStop_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 == false) { // if origin hasn't been found yet and we hit next_url. Trigger the set to pull in again. if (bFoundOrigin_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 == false) { // No origin yet. Call the populate function __tnt.engagement.assets["69e014de-43c0-11ef-b1bb-430148a53430"].populate(sNextUrl_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430); } else { // Append sNextUrl_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 to engagement set oEngagementContainer_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430.append('
'); if (iDisplayCount_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 < iMaxDisplay_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430) { // Get next url and request more assets __tnt.engagement.assets["69e014de-43c0-11ef-b1bb-430148a53430"].populate(oEngagementMore_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430.data('next-url')); } } } // Add total count to container if (bStop_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 == true) { // Add total count to container oEngagementContainer_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430.attr("data-engagement-total", iDisplayCount_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430); // Remove engagement loading spinner oEngagementSpinner_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430.remove(); return false; } } else { // Empty asset set returned. Go back in for a real set if(__tnt.engagement.assets["69e014de-43c0-11ef-b1bb-430148a53430"].attempts<2){ if(sNextUrl_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430==null||sNextUrl_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430==""){ sNextUrl_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430 = "/news/local/south-jersey-digest-july17/collection_69e014de-43c0-11ef-b1bb-430148a53430.html"; } __tnt.engagement.assets["69e014de-43c0-11ef-b1bb-430148a53430"].populate(sNextUrl_69e014de_43c0_11ef_b1bb_430148a53430); __tnt.engagement.assets["69e014de-43c0-11ef-b1bb-430148a53430"].attempts++; } } }); } } // Rewrite URL for preview // TODO move to one location function scrubURL(sURL) { if (typeof sURL != 'undefined'){ return sURL; } }
'); var s = document.createElement('script'); s.setAttribute('src', 'https://assets.revcontent.com/master/delivery.js'); document.body.appendChild(s); window.removeEventListener('scroll', throttledRevContent); __tnt.log('Load Rev Content'); } } }, 100); window.addEventListener('scroll', throttledRevContent); }
