Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Mercedes Benz Driver Killed Thanksgiving Night In Morris County Crash Mercedes Benz Driver Killed Thanksgiving Night In Morris County Crash
Mercedes Benz Driver Killed Thanksgiving Night In Morris County Crash One person was killed in a crash in Morris County on Thanksgiving Night, Nov. 28, authorities said. A Mercedes Benz driver was killed in a collision with a Jeep around 8 p.m. at Morris and Sussex turnpikes in Randolph around 8 p.m., a spokesperson for the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said. The driver of the Jeep was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There were no passengers in either vehicle. The identity of the victim was not being disclosed as of Friday morning. The collision remains under investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morr…
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 …
Waves Of Cold Air Will Follow Potent Thanksgiving Day Storm: 5-Day Forecast Waves Of Cold Air Will Follow Potent Thanksgiving Day Storm: 5-Day Forecast
Waves Of Cold Air Will Follow Potent Thanksgiving Day Storm: 5-Day Forecast Waves of cold air and gusty winds making it feel more like the middle of winter will follow a potent storm that snarled travel on Thanksgiving Day. "Many areas across the northern tier will start the month of December with temperatures well below historical averages," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok said. It will be mostly sunny and brisk on Black Friday, with a chance for sprinkles and snow flurries and temperatures in the mid-40s. Arctic air will arrive overnight Friday into Saturday, Nov. 30, with temperatures dipping into the upper 20s, according to the National Wea…
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…
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…
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 …
Fairview Assault Suspect Leads Cross-County NY Pursuit In U-Haul Van, Police Say Fairview Assault Suspect Leads Cross-County NY Pursuit In U-Haul Van, Police Say
Fairview 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:' NJ Teacher Lauren Zucconi Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle 'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' NJ Teacher Lauren Zucconi Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle
'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' NJ 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…
'Senior Sales Superstar:' Bergen County Native Karl Schafer Leaves Legacy Of Love 'Senior Sales Superstar:' Bergen County Native Karl Schafer Leaves Legacy Of Love
'Senior Sales Superstar:' Bergen County Native Karl Schafer Leaves Legacy Of Love Karl Edward Schafer, a Morris County resident with roots in Bergen County, died on Monday, Nov. 18, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of kindness, warmth, and a zest for life that touched everyone who knew him, according to his obituary on the Bizub-Parker Funeral Home website. He was 61 years old. A graduate of Indian Hills High School in 1981, Karl went on to study at Calvin College in Michigan and spent over two decades building a life in Montville and then in Boonton, his obituary says.  Karl’s career as a Senior Account Manager at BradyPLUS in Carlstadt was a perfect reflection o…
Cold Hard Cuts, Continued: Unilever Announces Additional Layoffs At NJ Headquarters Cold Hard Cuts, Continued: Unilever Announces Additional Layoffs At NJ Headquarters
Cold Hard Cuts, Continued: Unilever Announces Additional Layoffs At NJ Headquarters Unilever has announced that 149 positions at its New Jersey offices will be eliminated over the next 13 months as part of the company’s global productivity program.  Impacted employees will have the opportunity to apply for open positions within the company, receive severance pay, and access outplacement services and development training, according to a statement from Unilever. The company’s U.S. headquarters will remain in New Jersey, transitioning from Englewood Cliffs to a new location in Hoboken beginning March 2025. The job cuts are part of Unilever’s broader Growth Action Plan (…
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet selections and administrative appointees were the targets threats the last two days, a spokesperson said, calling the acts "violent" and "un-American." According to a statement by the Trump-Vance Transition Team on Wednesday, Nov. 27, several individuals associated with the incoming administration were subjected to threats ranging from bomb scares to "swatting" incidents, in which false reports are made to dispatch emergency responders to someone's location. Law enforcement responded swiftly to ensure the safety of those targeted, the team s…
MURDER: Man Beaten Dead, Found Behind Hudson County Building, Prosecutor Says MURDER: Man Beaten Dead, Found Behind Hudson County Building, Prosecutor Says
Murder: Man Beaten Dead, Found Behind Hudson County Building, Prosecutor Says A Hudson County man who was found lifeless behind a building earlier this month has been confirmed as a homicide victim after investigators determined he was beaten to death, officials said. Reynaldo Gonzalez, 56, of Union County, was discovered unresponsive behind a building on 23rd Street on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at around 11 a.m., Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Responding officers pronounced him dead at the scene shortly after 11:30 a.m. The Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined on Wednesday, Nov. 26, that Gonzalez died from complications of blunt force injuries, Hudson County…
Leonia Advocate Files Federal Suit Seeking Transparency In 3 Amazon Warehouse Worker Deaths Leonia Advocate Files Federal Suit Seeking Transparency In 3 Amazon Warehouse Worker Deaths
Leonia Advocate Files Federal Suit Seeking Transparency In 3 Amazon Warehouse Worker Deaths A support group for warehouse workers has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), demanding transparency into three worker deaths at Amazon warehouses across the state in 2022.  The lawsuit, filed in the District of New Jersey this week, accuses the DOL of violating the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by failing to release Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation records. The complaint, submitted by Leonia resident Daniel Schlademan, highlights alarming allegations about the working conditions at Amazon facilities in Carteret and …
$10K Mega Millions Winner Sold At Bergen County 7-Eleven, Jackpot Climbs To $514M $10K Mega Millions Winner Sold At Bergen County 7-Eleven, Jackpot Climbs To $514M
$10K Mega Millions Winner Sold At Bergen County 7-Eleven, Jackpot Climbs To $514M The Mega Millions jackpot is climbing into life-changing territory after no one matched all the winning numbers in Tuesday night’s, Nov. 26 drawing. The prize now stands at a staggering $514 million ahead of Friday’s drawing. One lucky ticket sold at a 7-Eleven in Lyndhurst did make a splash, winning $10,000 for matching four of the five numbers and the Mega Ball, lottery officials said. This jackpot is the largest since Sept. 10, when a Texas player won $800 million. Other massive wins this year include a $560 million jackpot hit in Illinois in June and the $1.13 billion jackpot won by a N…
Joey Graziadei Wins 'Dancing With The Stars:' Watch His Winning Moves Joey Graziadei Wins 'Dancing With The Stars:' Watch His Winning Moves
Joey Graziadei Wins 'Dancing With The Stars:' Watch His Winning Moves Pennsylvania native and "Bachelor" alum Joey Graziadei danced his way to victory on the Season 33 finale of "Dancing With the Stars." Joey and Jenna dance the finale. Disney/Eric McCandless Hailing from Royersford, the tennis instructor and his pro partner, Jenna Johnson, captivated audiences from the start, earning a reputation as fan favorites. Their journey culminated in two show-stopping performances that secured the Mirrorball Trophy. Graziadei brought his signature flair to a tennis-themed freestyle set to "Canned Heat", complete with racquet-inspired choreography that wowed b…
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a day away, there are concerns over the nation's food supply after multiple major recalls the last few days. Federal authorities are now saying that all products linked to the outbreaks are off the shelves and products currently being sold are safe to eat. After a deadly E. coli outbreak, a California-based company pulled bagged organic carrots from such popular retailers as Whole Foods, Walmart and Trader Joe's.  For the latest info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. In a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry pr…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 26 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $489 million with a $229.3 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 05-22-24-39-42 with a Mega Ball of 03 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29.  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. There ar…
Deja Vu? Train Hits Car For 2nd Time In 24 Hours In Bergen County Deja Vu? Train Hits Car For 2nd Time In 24 Hours In Bergen County
Deja Vu? Train Hits Car For 2nd Time In 24 Hours In Bergen County A crash involving a train and a car was causing major delays in Hackensack on Tuesday night, Nov. 26. At the scene. Paul Nickels The incident happened at Railroad and Central Avenues sometime after 6 p.m. As of press time, service to the Pascack Valley Line had resumed. 1 of 2: Pascack Valley Line rail service has resumed in both directions between Essex St and New Bridge Landing and is subject to up to a 45-minute delay following an earlier motor vehicle strike near Essex St. — Pascack Valley Line (@NJTRANSIT_PVL) November 26, 2024 A similar incident occurred near the…
Toms River Man Died In Police Custody: Bodycam Footage Shows His Arrest Toms River Man Died In Police Custody: Bodycam Footage Shows His Arrest
Toms River Man Died In Police Custody: Bodycam Footage Shows His Arrest Authorities have released body camera video of the incident when a Toms River man died while police tried to detain him. The state Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability made the footage public on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The video showed the Friday, Apr. 19 encounter that ended with the death of 47-year-old John Cassidy. The incident began at a gas station on Route 37 near West End Avenue at around 1 p.m. Island Heights police officers Peter Muscarella, Dominique D’Amico-Violante, and Lt. Paul Rutledge attempted to arrest Cassidy on active warrants. The f…
Rooftop Dining, Coworking Spaces Highlighted In Paterson's Newest Development Rooftop Dining, Coworking Spaces Highlighted In Paterson's Newest Development
Rooftop Dining, Coworking Spaces Highlighted In Paterson's Newest Development Paterson officials gathered Tuesday, Nov. 26, to break ground on an ambitious new community center in the Great Falls area, transforming a century-old building into a hub of opportunity and connection for residents. Andre Sayegh The 40,000-square-foot building at 39 McBride Avenue has a storied history, serving as a silk mill, machine shop, and later a Christian school.  Now, it is poised to become the Great Falls Center, a multi-purpose space designed to enrich the community with culinary, vocational, and social opportunities. View this post on Instagram …
Bergen County Restaurant Makes OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 List Bergen County Restaurant Makes OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 List
Bergen County Restaurant Makes OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 List Two celebrated New Jersey dining destinations have earned spots on OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 Restaurants list, chosen entirely by diner reviews. Stella Restaurant in Ventnor and The Saddle River Inn in Saddle River represent the Garden State in this year’s rankings, which are driven by insights and reviews from verified OpenTable users. Stella Restaurant carries a rich legacy. Founded by Chef Nicholas LoBianco and his late wife, Stephanie, the Ventnor gem is the latest in a series of acclaimed LoBianco restaurants in South Jersey. Known for exceptional food and personable service, the restau…
NY Drug Dealer Tries Swallowing Cocaine During Hotel Bust In Bergen County, Police Say NY Drug Dealer Tries Swallowing Cocaine During Hotel Bust In Bergen County, Police Say
NY Drug Dealer Tries Swallowing Cocaine During Hotel Bust In Bergen County, Police Say Two New York men were arrested in Bergen County on Monday evening, Nov. 25, after police caught them trying to hide cocaine during a suspected drug deal, authorities said. Mahwah police were conducting surveillance at a local hotel at approximately 6:30 p.m., following reports of possible illegal drug activity, Chief Timothy O’Hara said. Officers observed two individuals, later identified as Kervin Plasencia, 35, of Queens, and Christian Rivera, 33, of New York, NY, being dropped off by a rideshare vehicle at the hotel entrance. As officers approached the vehicle, Plasencia tried to swallow…
Gym Teacher From Bergen County Betsy Groat Left Major Impact On Students Gym Teacher From Bergen County Betsy Groat Left Major Impact On Students
Gym Teacher From Bergen County Betsy Groat Left Major Impact On Students A beloved teacher who was a fixture at a Northern Westchester high school for decades is being remembered for her contagious positive energy and her tremendous impact on her students throughout her long career.   Elizabeth “Betsy” Groat of Ho-Ho-Kus in Bergen County died on Wednesday, Oct. 30 after a battle with cancer, according to her obituary.   Groat, who taught physical education and coached at Westlake High School in Thornwood, dedicated 38 years to inspiring and supporting student-athletes in the Mount Pleasant School District, according to a GoFundMe page created…
Hackensack Driver, 25, Cited In Hasbrouck Heights Rollover Crash Hackensack Driver, 25, Cited In Hasbrouck Heights Rollover Crash
Hackensack Driver, 25, Cited In Hasbrouck Heights Rollover Crash A Hackensack man walked away unscathed after his SUV overturned and snapped a utility pole in Hasbrouck Heights, leaving a major roadway closed for hours. The single-vehicle crash occurred Tuesday, Nov. 26, at around 12 p.m. at the intersection of Terrace Avenue and Michigan Avenue, police said. Responding officers found a 2021 Lexus SUV rolled over with a snapped utility pole. The 25-year-old driver had already self-extricated by the time police arrived and declined medical attention at the scene, authorities said. He was issued a summons for careless driving, according to Lt. John Behr of…
Kayaker, 35, Found Floating In NJ Quarry Dies Kayaker, 35, Found Floating In NJ Quarry Dies
Kayaker, 35, Found Floating In NJ Quarry Dies A 35-year-old man died after being pulled from the water near a privately-owned quarry over the weekend in New Jersey, authorities said. Troopers responded to the Alpha Quarry at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Nov. 24, following a report of a kayaker in distress.  Local police and fire departments located the victim, identified as Justin Lusk, of Alpha, floating in the water, Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said. Lusk was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The incident remains under active investigation, and no additional details have been released.
DUI, Child Neglect For Minivan Driver After Near Miss With Police Car In Morris County: Cops DUI, Child Neglect For Minivan Driver After Near Miss With Police Car In Morris County: Cops
DUI, Child Neglect For Minivan Driver After Near Miss With Police Car In Morris County: Cops A Long Valley man was charged with driving while intoxicated and child neglect after nearly colliding with a police cruiser at the ITC Mall Complex in Flanders last week. The incident occurred on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at 12:04 a.m., when Sgt. Tyler Mullooly observed a Honda minivan cross the center line near Famous Footwear, narrowly missing his patrol vehicle, police said. Sgt. Mullooly initiated a traffic stop and observed the driver and passenger switching seats as he approached the vehicle. The driver, identified as 46-year-old Raghunath Angeveettil, was found seated in the passenger s…
Massive 3-Alarm Fire Erupts On NJ's Gingerbread Castle Road, Crews Battle Blaze For 12 Hours Massive 3-Alarm Fire Erupts On NJ's Gingerbread Castle Road, Crews Battle Blaze For 12 Hours
Massive 3-Alarm Fire Erupts On NJ's Gingerbread Castle Road, Crews Battle Blaze For 12 Hours Firefighters from across Sussex and Morris counties worked tirelessly for more than 12 hours Monday, Nov. 25 to extinguish a massive commercial structure fire. At approximately 2:00 am on Monday morning the Hamburg fire department was dispatched to Gingerbread Castle Road for a... Posted by Hamburg NJ Fire & Rescue on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 Hamburg Fire Department responded to the blaze on Gingerbread Castle Road in Hamburg around 2 a.m., and quickly upgraded it to a 3-alarm fire due to its intensity.  Mutual aid units from surrounding counties and the Sussex Coun…
'Welcome To Florida!' Sheriff Mocks NJ Swatting Caller Sentenced To Prison 'Welcome To Florida!' Sheriff Mocks NJ Swatting Caller Sentenced To Prison
'Welcome To Florida!' Sheriff Mocks NJ Swatting Caller Sentenced To Prison A New Jersey man who made swatting calls to a Florida high school got more than his 15 minutes of fame: Two years behind bars. Brad Parga, of Guttenberg, who was 17 years old when he called in threats from the Garden State to Milton High School in Santa Rosa County on Feb. 14, 2022, said his reason for doing so was "to get on the news." On Nov. 14, 2024, Parga was sentenced to two years in the Florida Department of Corrections followed by three years of probation — and Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson didn’t miss the opportunity to give the cheeky update. "You know I'm about gran…