A food truck with a mission | Inquirer South Jersey
And a former SJTA official’s plea deal.
Good morning, South Jersey.
There’s a new food truck popping up at local parks. Completely staffed by people with disabilities, the mobile eatery that is part of an occupational training program serves classic American staples like burgers and fries while providing hands-on work experience
And a former South Jersey Transportation Authority commissioner who was accused by a New Jersey grand jury of retaliation against a political adversary entered a guilty plea deal Wednesday.
Plus, U.S. Rep Frank Pallone asked for a briefing with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over measles-associated deaths omitted from public tracking, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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The Three Little Birds Cafe offers classics such as smash burgers, fries, and chicken tenders.
It also offers hands-on job training and serves as a stepping stone to gain employment.
The food truck is staffed with people with disabilities and run by The Arc of Camden County, a nonprofit.
The mobile eatery was launched last summer to provide participants the skills and confidence needed to eventually be able to work in a restaurant.
Reporter Lacey Latch provides an inside look into the program.
🎤 Let me pass the mic to politics reporter Aliya Schneider.
A former South Jersey Transportation Authority commissioner and Philadelphia union leader accused by a New Jersey grand jury of using public office to retaliate against a political foe entered a guilty plea deal Wednesday that will likely keep him out of prison.
The grand jury last year indicted Bryan Bush and Christopher Milam, a current SJTA commissioner and former vice chair, on six counts of conspiracy, official misconduct, and perjury.
Prosecutors accused the two Gloucester County men of conspiring in 2023 to deny payment to a contractor who had allegedly fallen out of favor with George E. Norcross III, a Democratic South Jersey powerbroker, and with lying to a grand jury about their reasons for rejecting payments. — Aliya Schneider
What to know today
New Jersey’s Rep. Frank Pallone, the top Democrat on the U.S House Committee overseeing health care, said Wednesday he’s waiting on the CDC director to respond to his request for a briefing on the decision to omit deaths from the agency’s measles data dashboard.
There are now multiple incidents in South Jersey of a group of people targeting unlocked cars while on camera in Gloucester City, Cherry Hill, and Mount Laurel, NBC10 reports.
The latest Cherry Hill school district statistics show that more than 1,500 students are chronically absent. School leaders are looking to drive down the rate.
The New Jersey Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal in the latest legal fight over the control of the Cherry Hill Democratic Committee, 70and73 reports.
Cherry Hill will use $240,000 of its funds from the national opioid settlement to support a licensed mental health clinician working in district schools over two years, according to 70and73.
Modwash, the car wash chain, is facing nearly $450,000 in penalties from the U.S. Department of Labor for exposing its employees to safety hazards at its Sicklerville locations, NJ.com reports.
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🗓️ The best things to do this week
🎃 The Great Pumpkin Glow: Opening for spooky season on Friday, the Halloween event will feature thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Walk through the pathway, take festive pictures, and indulge in some treats. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 25-Saturday, Oct. 31, various evening times 💵 $22.95-$27.95 📍 Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
💧 Delaware River Festival: The annual festival is back to offer pedal boat and ferry rides, a live bird show, face painting, crafts, games, fishing, and more. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Wiggins Park, Camden and Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia
🩰 Ballet in the Park: Watch performances of excerpts from Swan Lake to La Esmeralda, as well as more-contemporary works. Bring your own chair or blanket. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Croft Farm, Cherry Hill
🧠 Trivia time
Steven Spielberg filmed multiple scenes of Disclosure Day in South Jersey. Which of these places is not one of the locations where he was shooting?
A) Upper Township
B) Woodbine
C) Tuckahoe
D) Stratford
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re ...
📚 Perusing: Second Time Books in Mount Laurel.
☕ Grabbing: An espresso blend from Revolution Coffee Roasters in Collingswood.
🥄 Trying: Watermelon coconut ice.
That should get you started for the day. I’ll catch you tomorrow. 👋🏽
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