Author: Georgia McKoy

New Jersey, typically quiet on the seismic front, has just experienced three earthquakes in less than 72 hours. These were no ordinary tremors either, registering between 1.0 and 1.4 on the Richter scale, leaving residents both concerned and puzzled about what’s happening beneath their feet. Echoes of a Larger Event Source: Wikimedia Commons It turns out, these tremors weren’t random; they’re linked to a larger quake—a 4.8 magnitude shocker that struck Califon, New Jersey, on the morning of August 16.  This event was the most intense the East Coast has witnessed since 2011, according to the US Geological Survey. Califon:…

Governor Gavin Newsom has humorously hinted that Kamala Harris’ path to the Democratic nomination might have been pre-orchestrated. “I was ‘told to say’ it was ‘a very inclusive process,'” he quipped, stirring speculation about how much of the process was genuine versus guided. Biden’s Backing Propels Harris Forward Source: TheDemocrats/X When President Joe Biden stepped aside and endorsed Kamala Harris, her campaign immediately felt the surge.  This significant boost placed Harris in a prominent spot, stirring both support and skepticism about the future of her presidential run. Raising Eyebrows Over Harris’ Nomination Source: TheDemocrats/X Kamala Harris’ nomination has sparked a…

Cardinal Blase Cupich delivered an invocation at the Democratic National Convention that has drawn significant criticism from members of the anti-abortion Catholic community.  His avoidance of directly addressing abortion during the speech left many feeling betrayed, highlighting a deep divide within the Church on this politically charged issue. Bishop Strickland Calls DNC Speech a Missed Opportunity Source: NeilSteinberg/X Bishop Joseph Strickland, a conservative voice within the Catholic Church, criticized Cardinal Cupich’s speech at the DNC.  He described it as a “missed opportunity to call the Democratic Party back from the abyss” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), indicating a…

Governor Ron DeSantis is shaking things up with a bold proposal to transform state parks across Florida, from Miami to the Panhandle. His plan? Introducing golf courses and adding amenities like 350-room hotels and pickleball courts. These plans have sparked a wave of concern among environmentalists worried about the potential damage to the state’s natural habitats. Wildlife at Risk Source: Wikimedia Commons Julie Wraithmell, the executive director of Audubon Florida, voiced serious concerns about the impact of these developments on wildlife.  She highlighted, “State parks are the last strongholds for a lot of wildlife in rapidly urbanizing communities in Florida.”…

Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance recently faced a series of challenging interviews where he was repeatedly criticized for his past comments and affiliations.  He was questioned about his portrayal of his community in his book ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ and his connections to Silicon Valley, including to billionaire Peter Thiel. Accusations of Denigrating His Community Source: Wikimedia Commons In an interview with NBC News, host Tom Llamas pressed Vance on accusations of trashing “your own people” in his memoir. Llamas highlighted Vance’s deep ties to Silicon Valley, suggesting these connections contradicted his public persona as someone rooted in his community. “Mr. Fancy Pants…

At the stroke of midnight, residents of Hawaii’s Big Island felt the ground shake beneath them as a magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck, centered just nine miles south of Fern Forest.  With no reports of significant damage, the night’s surprise left the island buzzing but unbroken. Local Community Reacts to the Earthquake Source: Wikimedia Commons Across the Big Island, over 300 people reported feeling the quake’s impact shortly after midnight, with reports even coming from neighboring islands.  The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirmed the quake didn’t pose a tsunami threat, a small relief amidst the nighttime jolts. Storms Brew in the Pacific…

In a move that caught many off-guard, Justice Amy Coney Barrett diverged sharply from her conservative counterparts in a critical Supreme Court case on Arizona’s voting laws.  Brought to the forefront by the Republican National Committee, the case questioned the need for stricter citizenship verification for voters. The Heart of the Controversy Source: Wikimedia Commons At the center of the storm was an Arizona law demanding proof of citizenship for voting in presidential and federal mail-in elections.  The GOP, keen on overturning a lower-court ruling that blocked this law, argued it was essential for safeguarding the integrity of the upcoming…

During the Democratic National Convention, Stephanie Grisham shared the one-word text from Melania Trump that led her to resign.  It happened in the wake of the January 6 insurrection. This revelation came as Grisham explained her decision to leave her post, highlighting a significant turning point in her career and the administration’s history. The Decisive Text Message Source: BGrueskin/X Grisham displayed the word “no” from Melania Trump on screens to the DNC audience.  This response came after Grisham had requested Melania to condemn the violence on January 6. This refusal was pivotal, influencing Grisham’s decision to resign from her role…

Donald Trump is making waves in Florida with his latest venture—a lavish condo complex set to rise at his Doral resort.  With the city council’s recent nod to rezone 56.4 acres, this billion-dollar plan is quickly moving from blueprint to reality. Green Light for Growth Source: Wikimedia Commons On August 14, the Doral city council approved a pivotal zoning change from Trump Endeavor 12, LLC, clearing the way for a new “downtown mixed use” area.  This approval sets the stage for up to 1,498 residential units and 142,000 square feet of commercial space, transforming the resort’s landscape. Scaling Back, Aiming…

Fifty Republican members of Congress, all veterans, have collectively expressed their concerns to Governor Tim Walz about what they term “egregious misrepresentations” of his military service.  The Republicans, ranging from staunch Trump supporters to moderates, urge Walz to “come clean” about his service record. The letter was shared with POLITICO and highlights a significant political rift. Democratic Veterans Stand by Walz Source: Wikimedia Commons In response to the Republican letter, 18 Democratic military veteran members of Congress have issued a statement in defense of Governor Walz. They describe him as a dedicated advocate for both veterans and military families, countering…