Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Gen Z Leads Black Friday Frenzy At Garden State Plaza, Smashing Sales Records Gen Z Leads Black Friday Frenzy At Garden State Plaza, Smashing Sales Records
Gen Z Leads Black Friday Frenzy At Garden State Plaza, Smashing Sales Records Shoppers flocked to the Westfield Garden State Plaza this Black Friday, making it the mall's most successful event since 2018, mall officials said. The center opened its doors at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, but eager crowds had already formed long lines outside popular stores like UGG, Sephora, Lululemon, Aritzia, and Macy’s, according to Wesley Rebisz, senior general manager of Westfield Garden State Plaza. Extended hours, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., gave shoppers more time to score deals, with the mall remaining packed well past 9 p.m. Rebisz attributed the record turnout to effective promoti…
Crash Shuts 3 Lanes Of GWB Crash Shuts 3 Lanes Of GWB
Crash Shuts 3 Lanes Of GWB A crash closed three lanes of the George Washington Bridge Sunday evening, Dec. 1. The DOT website shows the crash happened in the eastbound lanes in Fort Lee near the toll plaza around 7:30 p.m. No further information was available.
Here's Projected Snowfall Totals, Timing For System On Track For This Week Here's Projected Snowfall Totals, Timing For System On Track For This Week
Here's Projected Snowfall Totals, Timing For System On Track For This Week A quick-moving storm on track for this week will bring accumulating snowfall to much of the Northeast. According to the National Weather Service, the Alberta Clipper system's time frame is Wednesday night, Dec. 4, to Thursday, Dec. 5. After forming in Alberta, Canada, on Sunday, Dec. 1, it will travel near Lake Superior from Monday, Dec. 2 to Tuesday, Dec. 3 before pivoting east, AccuWeather says. In locations in the lightest shade of blue in the image above from AccuWeather, a widespread 1 to 3 inches of snowfall is expected, with areas farther inland expected to see 3 to 6 inch…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Bergen County’s Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Bergen County’s Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Bergen County’s Best! Bergen County, it’s time to show some love for your favorite local businesses! Daily Voice has officially launched the voting phase of its inaugural Readers’ Choice competition, and the power is in your hands to crown the best of the best. Our readers submitted nominations earlier this fall, and now the top contenders are ready for your votes. With over 80 categories spanning six major groups, this is your chance to celebrate the local gems that make Bergen County a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the business…
Rare Brawls Break Out In College, NFL Games In Fight-Filled Football Weekend Rare Brawls Break Out In College, NFL Games In Fight-Filled Football Weekend
Rare Brawls Break Out In College, NFL Games In Fight-Filled Football Weekend It's been a fight-filled weekend in the football world, including a rare brawl in a collegiate contest. It started on Saturday, Nov. 30, when Michigan upset archrival and No. 2-ranked Ohio State,  13-10, in the Buckeyes' home stadium. Though the defending national champs, Michigan was having a disappointing season and entered the game at 6-5. After securing the win -- its fourth straight against Ohio State -- a Wolverines player attempted to plant a Michigan flag at the 50-yard line. An Ohio State player pulled the flag away, and things turned ugly. Dozens of players began pushing, a…
NJ Police Sergeant Tests Positive For Meth, Took Drugs From Evidence Room: Prosecutor NJ Police Sergeant Tests Positive For Meth, Took Drugs From Evidence Room: Prosecutor
NJ Police Sergeant Tests Positive For Meth, Took Drugs From Evidence Room: Prosecutor A police sergeant in Hammonton is facing multiple charges after testing positive for methamphetamine and taking drugs from the department's evidence room, authorities said. Detective Sergeant Robert Zbikowski, 45, of Hammonton, was charged on Monday, Nov. 25, with second-degree official misconduct, second-degree pattern of official misconduct, third-degree theft by unlawful taking, and two fourth-degree charges: tampering with physical evidence and obstruction of law, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2024, the Hammonton Police Department contacted the Atlantic County…
Member Of NJ Band 'My Chemical Romance' Dead At 44: Remembering Bob Bryar Member Of NJ Band 'My Chemical Romance' Dead At 44: Remembering Bob Bryar
Member Of NJ Band 'My Chemical Romance' Dead At 44: Remembering Bob Bryar Bob Bryar, the drummer for New Jersey-based band My Chemical Romance died this month in Tennessee at 44 years old, as first reported by TMZ. According to TMZ, Bryar's body was found badly decomposed at his home in Tennessee. No foul play was suspected. In a statement to CNN, My Chemical Romance said: “The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bob’s passing.” My Chemical Romance, famous for songs "Helena" and "The Black Parade," was founded in the early 2000s by Gerard Way, a Summit native raised in Belleville; his brother, Mikey Way, Ray T…
Trump Taps Loyalist Kash Patel As FBI Director Trump Taps Loyalist Kash Patel As FBI Director
Trump Taps Loyalist Kash Patel As FBI Director President-elect Donald Trump announced that 44-year-old loyalist and New York native Kashyap “Kash” Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,  Trump described Patel as a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter, in an announcement shared to social media on Sunday, Dec. 1. He praised Patel’s career of “exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people.” "He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution," Trump sai…
Pedestrian Pinned By Car In Morris County Acme Parking Lot: Police Pedestrian Pinned By Car In Morris County Acme Parking Lot: Police
Pedestrian Pinned By Car In Morris County Acme Parking Lot: Police A pedestrian was hospitalized after being run over by a vehicle in the parking lot of a Morris County supermarket Sunday morning, Dec. 1, police said. The vehicle was pulling out of a spot in the Acme parking lot on E. Main Street in Denville, when they drove over the female pedestrian and came to a stop, with the pedestrian underneath the vehicle, Denville Police Capt. Scott Welsch said. The pedestrian was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The incident is under investigation.
One Dead, Two Hospitalized In Route 46 Crash: Prosecutor One Dead, Two Hospitalized In Route 46 Crash: Prosecutor
One Dead, Two Hospitalized In Route 46 Crash: Prosecutor A deadly crash on Route 46 overnight left one man dead and two people seriously injured, authorities said. The crash occurred in the westbound lanes near the Route 17 junction in Hasbrouck Heights around 2:30 a.m., when a 2019 Hyundai collided with the highway divider, a spokesperson for the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said. A 57-year-old man was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The two other occupants were also taken to the same hospital; one remains in critical condition, while the other is listed as stable. The Bergen County P…
Longtime Dumont BBQ Spot To Close NY Location Months After Shuttering In NJ Longtime Dumont BBQ Spot To Close NY Location Months After Shuttering In NJ
Longtime Dumont BBQ Spot To Close NY Location Months After Shuttering In NJ Rockland County staple Fink's BBQ Roadhouse, a community favorite in Suffern, is closing after eight years in business.  Owner Dave "Fink" Finkelstein announced that the restaurant’s last full day of operation will be Monday, Dec. 2, citing ongoing challenges that have become insurmountable. Finkelstein tells Daily Voice: "The location is tough — half of the compass is trees, and trees don't eat BBQ. We're a destination spot, Saturdays are insane and Tuesdays it's a ghost town. It's hard to balance business." Fink’s BBQ opened its Suffern location in 2016 after running a successful sp…
Clifton Pizza Icon Jerry Scotto D'Abbusco Dies, 91: 'Walked The Pipeline For Best Pizza Around' Clifton Pizza Icon Jerry Scotto D'Abbusco Dies, 91: 'Walked The Pipeline For Best Pizza Around'
Clifton Pizza Icon Jerry Scotto D'Abbusco Dies, 91: 'Walked The Pipeline For Best Pizza Around' A Passaic County community is mourning the loss of the man behind one of the area's most popular pizzerias. Gerardo “Jerry” Scotto D’Abbusco, who owned and operated Scotto’s Pizzeria in Clifton for 46 years, died on Thursday, Nov. 29. He was 91 years old. Born in Monte di Procida, Italy, Jerry served in the Italian Navy and worked as a Merchant Marine before immigrating to America through Ellis Island, his obituary on the Shook Funeral Home website says.  In opening Scotto's, Jerry created a beloved community hub, which closed upon his retirement in 2016. Scotto's announced Jerry's d…
Trump Nominates NJ's Charles Kushner For Ambassador To France Trump Nominates NJ's Charles Kushner For Ambassador To France
Trump Nominates NJ's Charles Kushner For Ambassador To France President-elect Donald Trump has named New Jersey's Charles Kushner to serve as the United States Ambassador to France, he announced Saturday, Nov. 30. Kushner, 70, an Elizabeth native, is the father of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and was pardoned by Trump in 2020, having been convicted years earlier of illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering. Trump announced the nomination on social media, calling Kushner "a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker" who will "strongly advocate for our country and its interests." Kushner, the fou…
Separate Snowmaking Storms Could Mark December's Opening Weeks: Long-Range Outlook Separate Snowmaking Storms Could Mark December's Opening Weeks: Long-Range Outlook
Separate Snowmaking Storms Could Mark December's Opening Weeks: Long-Range Outlook The arrival of an Arctic blast of cold air could be followed by separate snowmaking storms during the first two weeks of December. Tuesday, Dec. 3, will mark the start of a string of days in which Alberta Clipper systems with fast-falling snowfall are possible in these areas shown in pink and blue in the image above from AccuWeather. According to current forecast models, the highest likelihood for snowfall in the Northeast is overnight Wednesday, Dec. 4 into Thursday, Dec. 5, according to the National Weather Service. Areas farther south will likely see mainly snow showers but accumul…
Hamas Releases Harrowing Video Of Bergen County Hostage Edan Alexander Pleading For Freedom Hamas Releases Harrowing Video Of Bergen County Hostage Edan Alexander Pleading For Freedom
Hamas Releases Harrowing Video Of Bergen County Hostage Edan Alexander Pleading For Freedom For the first time since his abduction by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, New Jersey's Edan Alexander has appeared in a video released by the terrorist group. The harrowing footage, shared on Saturday, Nov. 30, shows the 20-year-old Israeli-American, who hails from Tenafly, crying and pleading for his life in a message directed to Israeli and American leaders. Speaking in both Hebrew and English, Alexander states he has been held hostage for more than 420 days. “It’s time to put an end to this nightmare,” he says in an emotional appeal to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Click here to wat…
Estate With Showstopping Indoor Pool, Locker Rooms Listed For $17.75M In Bergen County (PHOTOS) Estate With Showstopping Indoor Pool, Locker Rooms Listed For $17.75M In Bergen County (PHOTOS)
Estate With Showstopping Indoor Pool, Locker Rooms Listed For $17.75M In Bergen County (Photos) An extraordinary estate in Bergen County is now on the market for $17.750 million.  The sprawling 28,384-square-foot mansion at 125 Chestnut Ridge Road in Saddle River features seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, and a host of awe-inspiring amenities, making it one of the most unique properties in the area, according to Dennis Rinzler of Keller Williams Valley Realty. “This home is like no other,” Rinzler said. “The size in and of itself makes it unique, and the acreage—13.7 acres—is extremely rare in Saddle River, where most homes sit on just 2.5 acres. You can’t even see the house fro…
Lidl Store Replacing Shuttered NJ Toys 'R' Us Sets Opening Date Lidl Store Replacing Shuttered NJ Toys 'R' Us Sets Opening Date
Lidl Store Replacing Shuttered NJ Toys 'R' Us Sets Opening Date Lidl is adding another North Jersey store to its fleet at the site of a shuttered Toys 'R' Us store. The budget grocery store is set to open at 599 W Mt. Pleasant Ave. (Route 10) in Livingston on Dec. 11. This new location replaces the former Toys “R” Us that closed in 2018. The grand opening celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:40 a.m., with doors opening at sunrise. Early birds can enjoy freshly baked croissants and coffee before exploring the store’s offerings. For those unable to attend, the new Lidl will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Lidl promises a one-of-a-k…
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers distributed throughout the US and Canada and organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores in several states have been recalled due to the risk of Salmonella contamination. Cucumber recall SunFed Produce, LLC (SunFed) is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V." The recalled cucumbers were sold between Saturday, Oct. 12, through Thursday, Nov. 26, 2024. The whole fresh America…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 29 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $514M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 29 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $514M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 29 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $514M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Nov. 29 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $514 million with a $244.7 million cash option. The winning numbers were 03-29-34-36-37 with a Mega Ball of 17 and a Megaplier of 2X. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 million to $2.&n…
Body Of NJ Law Clerk, 29, Found In River Body Of NJ Law Clerk, 29, Found In River
Body Of NJ Law Clerk, 29, Found In River A 29-year-old man from western Massachusetts and law clerk for the State of New Jersey has been identified as the person police pulled from the Connecticut River earlier this week.  Daniel Esrick, a Northampton native, was found Monday, Nov. 25, near the Gill side of Route 2, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. It's unclear how long he had been in the water.  Daniel was a talented student, according to his obituary. He studied biology and physics at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst before matriculating to the Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he g…
Route 80 Road Rage Shooting: Witnesses Sought In Thanksgiving Eve Incident Route 80 Road Rage Shooting: Witnesses Sought In Thanksgiving Eve Incident
Route 80 Road Rage Shooting: Witnesses Sought In Thanksgiving Eve Incident New Jersey State Police are investigating a road rage shooting on Route 80 this week. The incident occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, around 6:18 a.m., when the driver of a silver minivan with a Pennsylvania license plate pulled alongside a blue Subaru Outback and fired at least one shot, striking the rear driver’s side window, authorities said. It happened near Exit 47B in Parsippany. No injuries were reported, but police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or its aftermath to contact the NJSP Troop “B” Totowa Station Detective Bureau at 973-785-9412. Anonymous tips are w…
NJ Lottery Players Win $50K In Powerball, Jackpot Climbs To $214M NJ Lottery Players Win $50K In Powerball, Jackpot Climbs To $214M
NJ Lottery Players Win $50K In Powerball, Jackpot Climbs To $214M Two lucky New Jersey Lottery players each won $50,000 in the Wednesday, Nov. 27, Powerball drawing, officials announced. The winning tickets matched four of the five white balls and the Powerball. They were sold at Old Bridge Card Smart on Route 9 in Middlesex County and Archie’s Liquor on Main Avenue in Passaic, Passaic County.  The winning numbers were 01, 06, 07, 13, 40, with the Powerball 05 and a Powerplay multiplier of 5X. While no one hit the jackpot, the prize for the next drawing on Saturday, Nov. 30, has climbed to an estimated $214 million. No tickets matched the numbers in…
Thanksgiving Crash Kills Former NJ Hockey Captain Gavin Barooah, 19 Thanksgiving Crash Kills Former NJ Hockey Captain Gavin Barooah, 19
Thanksgiving Crash Kills Former NJ Hockey Captain Gavin Barooah, 19 The victim killed in a Morris County crash on Thanksgiving Night, Nov. 28 has been identified as a 19-year-old former hockey player. Gavin Barooah, of Ledgewood, was behind the wheel of a Mercedes Benz when his vehicle collided with a Jeep around 8 p.m. at Morris and Sussex turnpikes in Randolph, according to Meghan Knab, a spokesperson for the county prosecutor's office. The driver of the Jeep was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  "Today, our hearts are heavy," the Official Account of RHS Ice Hockey Booster Association said on Instagram. "…
Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US
Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US Amid the busiest shopping weekend of the holiday season, workers for Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, have gone on strike. Protesting under the banner of “Make Amazon Pay.” employees have walked off the job across six continents in 20 countries, including the United States. The strike is scheduled to last from Black Friday on Nov. 29 through Cyber Monday, Dec. 2, the UNI Global Union announced, saying protests will be held in majors cities in the US, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, India, Brazil and elsewhere. The strike could cause customers' holiday deliveries …
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
5 Juveniles Lead High-Speed Chase Across Major NJ Highways In Stolen Car Before Crash: Police 5 Juveniles Lead High-Speed Chase Across Major NJ Highways In Stolen Car Before Crash: Police
5 Juveniles Lead High-Speed Chase Across Major NJ Highways In Stolen Car Before Crash: Police Five juveniles including a driver who tried ramming a police vehicle were arrested after leading police on a pursuit in a stolen Kia that ended in a crash on Route 20 the night before Thanksgiving, police said. The incident began around 10:15 p.m. on Nov. 27, 2024, when Clifton police reported a stolen Kia K500, Stinger, seen near Kinderkamack Road near Hackensack and River Edge, Paramus Police Chief Robert M. Guidetti said.  The Kia, accompanied by a Porsche stolen from Maywood earlier that evening, traveled through several towns before Paramus Officer Cesar Hurtado spotted it enterin…
Trump Taps Vaccine Skeptic To Lead CDC Trump Taps Vaccine Skeptic To Lead CDC
Trump Taps Vaccine Skeptic To Lead CDC Another vaccine skeptic with New York ties could soon shape public health policy. President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Florida congressman and physician Dave Weldon to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon was born on Long Island, in Amityville, and graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 before earning his M.D. degree at the University of Buffalo in 1981. Earlier Report: Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services “In addition to being a medical doctor for 40 years, and an Ar…
NJ Crossing Guard Struck, Killed On-Duty: Prosecutor NJ Crossing Guard Struck, Killed On-Duty: Prosecutor
NJ Crossing Guard Struck, Killed On-Duty: Prosecutor A High Bridge crossing guard and veteran firefighter was fatally struck by a vehicle while on duty Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. Robert "Bob" Bork, 75, was hit by a southbound vehicle on CR 513 at the intersection of Larrison Avenue around 12:10 p.m., according to the High Bridge Police Department and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office. Emergency responders, including local police, fire departments, and the Forensic Analysis Collision Team (F.A.C.T.), rushed to the scene. Bork was airlifted to Morristown Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries, officials said…
Security Guard Robs Victim In Hackensack, Found With Brass Knuckles: Police Security Guard Robs Victim In Hackensack, Found With Brass Knuckles: Police
Security Guard Robs Victim In Hackensack, Found With Brass Knuckles: Police A security guard from Hackensack has been arrested and charged in connection with an armed robbery that occurred early Monday morning, Nov. 25, police said. Hudhaifa Johnson, 25, of Hackensack, implied he had a weapon before robbing a 24-year-old man from Monroe Township near Fair and Lodi Streets around 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 25, 2024, according to Hackensack Police Capt. Michael Antista. Johnson demanded the victim's jewelry and belongings before fleeing the scene on a moped. Later that evening, Patrol Officers Roselys Salas and Angelo Vicale located Johnson on Essex Street around 8 p.m. and …
Bergen County Assault Suspect Leads Cross-County NY Pursuit In U-Haul Van, Police Say Bergen County Assault Suspect Leads Cross-County NY Pursuit In U-Haul Van, Police Say
Bergen County Assault Suspect Leads Cross-County NY Pursuit In U-Haul Van, Police Say A suspect is in custody following a chase through multiple counties in the Hudson Valley that involved several collisions with police vehicles and was prompted by an assault, authorities said. The incident began in Putnam County at around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, when a domestic assault was reported on Stoneleigh Avenue in Carmel, according to Carmel Police. Responding officers, along with units from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, saw the suspect, later identified as 47-year-old Noel Mendez, of Fairview, NJ fleeing the scene in a white U-Haul van. Police said the sus…
'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Dumont Teacher Lauren Zucconi Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle 'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Dumont Teacher Lauren Zucconi Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle
'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Dumont Teacher Lauren Zucconi Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle Lauren Zucconi, a Bergen County teacher, loving wife, and proud Long Beach Island homeowner, passed away on Monday, Nov. 25, after a decade-long battle with cancer, according to her obituary on the Volk Leber Funeral Home website. She was 36 years old. Her unwavering mantra, “Never, never, never give up,” defined her courageous journey and inspired those around her. Born in Westwood and raised in Chestnut Ridge, NY, Lauren excelled in academics and athletics, graduating from Spring Valley High School, where she met her soulmate, James Robert Nash, her obituary says. She went on to earn…