92.7 WOBM News Flash Briefing: July 5

https://jerseyshorepodcasts.townsquaredigital.com/WOBMFM201707051700.mp3
The three-day state government shutdown is done, but the rancor isn't. Assembly Speaker Vin Prieto today accused Governor Christie of slashing Democrat budget priorities with line-item vetoes. A Christie spokesman said that all 73 requests were left intact. The Governor cut 20 provisions.

Some state workers might be reimbursed for unexpected furlough days resulting from the shutdown. Governor Christie indicated that he is in discussion with Civil Service Commission leaders about an exception to standing rules.

New Jersey drivers whose licenses, permits, registrations and inspection stickers expired Friday get a reprieve. The Motor Vehicle Commission granted a two-day extension to everyone who was caught in the shutdown-related agency closures.

The most overt change resulting from the budget standoff that led to the shutdown takes place at the state's largest health insuror, Horizon Blue Cross-Blue Shield, which will undergo changes in its board of directors and be subject to greater transparency and scrutiny in its financial operation. If its risk-based capital reserve exceeds 725 percent, the balance would be refunded to ratepayers. The reserve is currently below 600.

Child-luring jitters accelerate in Lakewood, where two incidents were reported in as many days this week. The Lakewood Scoop reported that a six-year-old on a bicycle was accosted by a man Tuesday, and escaped when they reached a park on North Lake Drive. A search for suspects continues.

The Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Lacey Township remains out of service, pending repairs to what officials said was a system breakdown in the non-nuclear side of the operation. The generating station went off-line Monday.

Organizers of Middletown's historical "Walking Tours," encouraged by the turnout of 50 visitors for the inaugural stroll, schedule the second in the series this Saturday, July 8. The two-hour trek recounts the stories behind nearly 199 structures, some of which have roots in the 17th Century, many still entirely intact from the 18th Century. The New Jersey Historic Trust partly funds the initiative.

A teen who allegedly left a car overturned in Jackson Tuesday night has bigger problems today. Police said that the 18-year-old was charged with DWI and related infractions, and released - then hit a cop in the groin on the way out. Instead, he was marched back in, charged with aggravated assault on an officer, and sent to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River.