the resolution caps off days of suspended services across the state including the shuttering of state beaches and parks over the extended holiday weekend. a move made all the more difficult for governor christie after pictures emerged of him and his family at a state beach that was unavailable to resident deuce to the shutdown. still christie, known for his brash persona is defending his decision while brushing off the controversy. i think i ve proven over the last eight years i don t really care about political optics. i care about right and wrong. i think i ve proven over the last eight years i have a choice to make between my family and political optics i will pick my family. state park beaches and other recreational areas are opened to the public today. the battle for mosul is entering its final stages and iraqi forces are close to fully recapturing the city that they advanced on a few pockets that remained under isis control and a first look after three years of occupation.