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- Fire Chief to Retire: Although he’s only been chief for 2.5 years, and at 49, wouldn’t be forced to retire for another 16 years, Jersey City Fire Chief Michael O’Reilly is calling it quits on September 1. He blames personnel shortages within the department for his departure, though Gov. Christie’s proposed changes to the pension and benefit system — the engine that has largely driven those personnel shortages — surely factor into O’Reilly’s decision. Mayor Healy says that O’Reilly might not be replaced due to the city’s budget crunch. Meanwhile, Police Chief Tom Comey and Deputy Police Chief Peter Nalbach have also filed retirement papers with the state to leave September 1, although city officials maintain neither is leaving next month.

- Epps Contract: The Ledger editorializes that the Board of Education should at the very least undertake a national search before renewing superintendent Charles Epps’ contract, saying it “would give the board (and taxpayers) perspective on the talent available and leverage in getting a better deal.” The contract will likely see a vote at the board’s meeting Thursday.

- Viaduct Park Proposals: Hudson County and the city of Hoboken are inviting the public to view final designs for amenities the area underneath the 14th Street viaduct, which connects Hoboken to Union City and the Heights.

- Court Upholds Murder Conviction: An appellate court has upheld the conviction and 50-year sentence of a man found guilty in 2007 of the 1988 slaying of a Jersey City college student, who was gunned down at the Hoboken parking lot where he worked as an attendant.

- More from Alleged JC Bank Robber: The 23-year-old Jersey City man who allegedly attempted to rob a Valley National Bank branch in Jersey City has reportedly confessed to police that he also planned to rob a North Bergen bank on August 17.

Today’s Best Bets:

- Tonight’s Groove on Grove is jazz themed, with Greg Ribot, Skylar James and Brendan Kibbee slated to perform (6 pm). It should be perfect weather for another cool, rainy evening — which also means the normally outdoor concert will likely be moved indoors. We’ll bring you news of that when and if it happens.

In Statewide News:

- No Race to the Top $: New Jersey has for a second time failed to win federal Race to the Top education money, but this time it was just three out of 500 points separating the state from the list of 10 winners, including neighboring New York and Maryland. The state missed the mark, in part, because of an error by the Christie administration in the state’s application, according to the Ledger.

- Federal Prosecutor Denies ‘Culture of Corruption’: Paul Fishman, the chief federal prosecutor in New Jersey, doesn’t endorse the idea he works in the “most corrupt” state in the union — and says such talk can be “demoralizing” to the people who live here.

- J&J Warned on Marketing Practices: A business of New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson that makes joint replacements has been warned by the Food and Drug Administration that it is illegally marketing two products.

- Puerto Rican Birth Certificates & the MVC: As of September 30, the state Motor Vehicle Commission will not accept birth certificates issued in Puerto Rico prior to July 1, 2010. The change comes on the heels of a scandal involving stolen and/or phony birth certificates on the island.

- Christie Vetoes Bill Expanding Reach of State Financing Authority: Gov. Christie has vetoed a bill that would have extended the reach of a state financing authority, giving businesses in towns bordering already-eligible areas access to low-rate loans.