Afternoon Tea with K Britt: Today's Chats: Telsa Take Down in Eatontown NJ, 14 Year Old Child Shoots Two Officers In Newark, Massive Layoffs in NJ Thanks to Trump & Friends plus more

March 8, 2025

Echoed News & Chats

Picture Source: Prchi Palwe (Wix Unsplash)

"Tesla Takedown": Jersey Shore Blue Protests Musk's Influence and

Trump's Policies in Eatontown

Monmouth County NJ: In Eatontown, NJ, a protest is scheduled to take place outside the Tesla dealership at noon this Saturday, organized by Jersey Shore Blue, a local chapter of Indivisible National. Titled "Tesla Takedown," the protest is intended to oppose President Trump's policies and Elon Musk's involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to reduce the size of federal agencies. Jersey Shore Blue criticizes Musk's influence, arguing that it negatively impacts agencies such as NOAA and Social Security while favoring billionaires. The event is expected to draw over 120 participants. This marks their first protest at this location, although they have previously demonstrated at the offices of local Congress members. Concurrently, a Women's Day March will take place in Red Bank, where participants will gather at Booskerdoo coffee shop and march from the train station. The event will feature speakers including Councilwoman Kristina Bonatakis and Dr. Laura Jannone. To learn more please check out Carly Baldwin's article in the Middletown Post link here: https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/j6t4z/anti-musk-trump-protest-outside-eatontown-tesla-dealership-saturday?utm_source=local-update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200

Tragic Fatal Shooting of Newark Officer Joseph Azcona:

14-Year-Old Charged with Murder

Picture Source: Wix Media

Authorities in Newark, NJ, have identified 25-year-old police officer Joseph Azcona as the victim of a fatal shooting on Friday night. A 14-year-old has been charged with murder and related offenses in connection with Azcona's death. Azcona was part of a police intelligence team focused on a suspect in an illegal weapons investigation when he was shot in his vehicle. Newark's public safety director stated that Azcona was hit before he could leave his vehicle. Another officer was injured but is expected to recover. Five individuals, including the 14-year-old suspect, were arrested. The suspect also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots near a commercial area, and Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged the incident on social media. To learn more please click Eric Kiefer & Megan VerHerst of The Middletown Patch: https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/j6tck/newark-cop-fatally-shot-in-car-14yearold-charged-with-murder?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200

Disillusionment Grows Within Democratic Party as Activism Surges Among Black Representatives

Monmouth County N.J. (Echo News TV LLC) – Per an article titled "I Hate To Burst Your Bubble But Racists Of The World Aren't Nothing But Trouble" by Karen Brittingham-Edmond of the relaunched Echo, a recent controversial meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky has led to increased disillusionment within the Democratic Party, igniting a wave of activism among Black representatives. Many activists are voicing concerns over perceived authoritarianism and the party's ongoing failure to adequately address systemic racism.

The article sheds light on the historical struggles and economic challenges faced by Black communities, highlighting the need for both political parties to acknowledge their roles in undermining Black advancement. Activists argue that a lack of meaningful action on issues such as police brutality and economic inequality continues to hamper progress.

“The time for accountability is now,” stated Congressman Al Green, a prominent leader in the movement for social justice. “We must demand that our voices are heard and that our needs are met.”

With calls for renewed focus on social justice initiatives gaining momentum, local leaders are urging the Democratic Party to take substantive action that prioritizes the advancement and well-being of Black communities. As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will impact the party and its future direction. To learn more, please click the relaunched Echo's link here:

https://www.echonewstv.com/post/i-hate-to-burst-your-bubble-but-racists-of-the-world-aren-t-nothing-but-trouble

Reshaping Justice:

The Impact of Personnel Changes

in the Justice Department

During the Trump Administration

Washington DC - (Echonewstv.com) According to an article in the Washington Post titled "Several Top Career Officials Ousted At Justice Department" published on March 8, 2025, by Perry Stein, Shayna Jacobs, Carol D. Leonnig, and Ann E. Marimow, the Justice Department experienced major personnel shifts during the Trump administration, involving the dismissal of several senior career officials who had been key figures in the department. Among those dismissed were Jeffrey Ragsdale, who served as the head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, Liz Oyer, the U.S. pardon attorney, and Tara Twomey, who was at the helm of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees. These dismissals were not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader wave of terminations and shifts in leadership that reflected the administration's desire to reshape the department's priorities and personnel.

Jeffrey Ragsdale, known for his commitment to upholding ethical standards within the Justice Department, was a crucial figure in overseeing the professional conduct of attorneys and staff. His removal raised concerns among many who valued the integrity of the department and its commitment to justice. Similarly, Liz Oyer, who had been in charge of the U.S. pardon attorney's office, expressed her deep disappointment over her dismissal in a heartfelt post on LinkedIn. In her message, she took the opportunity to highlight the pride she felt in the team she had built, emphasizing their dedication to the principles of justice and fairness in the pardon process. Oyer's role was particularly significant as it involved reviewing and recommending clemency applications, a process that requires a nuanced understanding of the law and compassion for those seeking forgiveness.

As head of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees, Tara Twomey was responsible for overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases and ensuring the integrity of the bankruptcy system. Her removal, like those of her colleagues, signaled a shift in the department's approach to key legal and ethical standards. The Justice Department did not provide specific reasons for these dismissals, which left many observers questioning the motivations behind such abrupt changes. Oyer's notice regarding her removal referred to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which delineates the President's executive powers, suggesting that these decisions may have been influenced by a broader interpretation of executive authority and the desire to appoint individuals aligned with the administration's objectives.

During this period, the wave of terminations within the Justice Department reflected a significant moment in American governance, raising questions about the balance of power, the independence of federal institutions, and the long-term implications for the rule of law. As these senior officials departed, the department faced the challenge of maintaining continuity and integrity while navigating the political landscape shaped by the new administration. The impact of these changes extended beyond the individuals involved, influencing the morale of remaining staff and the public's perception of the Justice Department's commitment to impartial justice. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/03/07/justice-department-trump-firings/

March 2025 Layoff Crisis: New Jersey Faces Unprecedented Job Cuts

Monmouth County -- NJ (Echonewstv.com) In a shocking turn of events, March 2025 has seen significant layoffs reported not only in New Jersey but also across the United States. Job cuts have skyrocketed by an alarming 245% compared to the previous month, largely driven by federal government reductions, canceled contracts, and substantial cuts in the retail and technology sectors.

Nationally, February recorded a staggering 172,017 layoffs, with 62,242 of those occurring within federal agencies as a direct result of severe budget cuts. The impact has been particularly pronounced in New Jersey, where layoffs have surged from just 1,088 in February 2024 to a staggering 16,918 in February 2025—a dramatic increase that signals a troubling economic shift.

In the state, over 1,800 job cuts have been reported under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, affecting prominent companies such as Walmart and Bristol Myers Squibb. This trend has left hundreds of federal employees in New Jersey seeking unemployment benefits as they confront sudden job loss.

The New Jersey Department of Labor is stepping in to provide assistance to those affected, offering resources to help individuals navigate this challenging period. As the state grapples with these significant shifts in employment, workers and their families face uncertainties—and communities are left to reckon with the broader economic implications of these layoffs.

As the situation continues to evolve, Echo News will bring you the latest updates on this developing story and its impact on the New Jersey workforce and economy. Ref: https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/j6syy/layoffs-spiked-245-in-february-see-nj-impact?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200