Free Republic

It was already one of the longest and most expensive road-building projects in New Jersey, and it just got longer and even more costly. The Direct Connection project, designed to smooth traffic flows on I-295 at Bellmawr in Camden County, hit a major tie-up in late March with the collapse of a new retaining wall on the northbound side of the highway. That collapse forced one lane to close while repairs were made, and leading the Department of Transportation to warn of “heavy congestion” at an already notorious interchange where the interstate meets I-76 and Route 42. The lane was...

Their arrest is the latest event in their months-long standoff with Democrat New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, whose lingering lockdown order has shuttered non-essential businesses for more than four months. Speaking with Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Monday, Smith remained defiant despite his arrest. ... Tyrant Governor Murphy has owners of Atilis Gym arrested while encouraging riots in the streets. That’s expected. Cops complying with these orders is what gets me. I’m done taking up for weak ass cops violating their constitutional oath ... murderers are walking free in New Jersey despite the sheriff’s vigilance to board up Smith’s...

Two New Jersey gyms owners who have repeatedly reopened in defiance of the state’s coronavirus lockdown have been arrested, police said Monday. Atilis Gym owners in Bellmawr— Ian Smith, 33, of Delanco Township, and Frank Trumbetti, 51, of Williamstown — were charged with contempt and violation of a disaster control act, according to the Camden Couty Prosecutor’s Office. The two owners have continually railed against Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order amid the pandemic COVID-19 and even sued lawmakers claiming their constitutional rights were violated when they were forced to close their South Jersey gym.

Both owners were issued summonses and clients were given a warning. But Murphy suggested during his Monday briefing that the state might have to step in if the gym’s defiance continues. “I’m not concerned it will spiral out of control, and we will take action,” Murphy said. “If you show up at that gym again tomorrow, there’s going to be a different reality than showing up today. These aren’t just words. We’ve got to enforce this, but I also don’t want to start World War III.”

Last Edited: Thursday, 27 Mar 2008, 6:06 PM EDT Created: Thursday, 27 Mar 2008, 4:43 PM EDT An armed man continues to keep authorities at bay on the Walt Whitman Bridge. The Walt Whitman Bridge between South Philadelphia and Gloucester City, N.J., has been closed since about 4:30 p.m. New Jersey State Police Capt. Al Della Fave says troopers tried to stop a vehicle for a minor speeding violation, but the driver wouldn't pull over. He says troopers stopped the pursuit after a few minutes because the man was driving erratically and police feared someone would get hurt. After that,...