92.7 WOBM News Flash Briefing: August 24

https://jerseyshorepodcasts.townsquaredigital.com/WOBMFM201708241200.mp3

Another opiate overdose this morning in Toms River underscores the urgency with which township officials join a national battle against the pharmaceutical industry. Motley Rice LLC and D'Arcy Johnson Day are challenging the marketing techniques that, they contend, are profit-driven with no regard for patients, or even for doctors.

After several uncertain days, Navy enlistee Kenneth Smith of Cherry Hill is identified as one of the casualties in the crash of the USS John McCaine with an oil tanker in Singapore. The submerged vessel is still being searched, but the ocean search for 10 missing sailors is suspended.

No deaths on Route 539 in Ocean County during the just-concluded, month-long safety crackdown, but 31 speeders and 15 commercial vehicle violations grab the lion's share of 109 citations in 268 traffic stops. County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato's assessment is that the overwhelming number of law-abiding drivers indicates heightened safety awareness.

A jury of six men, six women and four alternates are quickly empaneled for the September corruption trial of New Jersey U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. He is accused of using his influence to benefit a rich campaign donor, in exchange for lavish gifts.