ER Nurse Returning From Work ID'd By Grieving Family As Victim Of Wrong-Way DUI NJ Crash ER Nurse Returning From Work ID'd By Grieving Family As Victim Of Wrong-Way DUI NJ Crash
ER Nurse Returning From Work ID'd By Grieving Family As Victim Of Wrong-Way DUI NJ Crash Anne Rasmussen dedicated her life to helping others, but her own was cut short when a suspected drunk driver caused a wrong-way crash on Route 70 early Friday morning, Dec. 27. Rasmussen, 58, of Whiting, was identified by her family on a GoFundMe campaign as an emergency room nurse on her way home from work when the Brick Township crash occurred, "killing her instantly." "She spent a lot of her life dedicated to helping people working as an ER nurse," Rasmussen's daughter, Kelly Kracsun wrote on the campaign. She would take the shirt off her back for absolutely anyone and would do anything …
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the the first severe bird flu case in the US that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird sam…
Christmas Fire Steals 45+ Years Of Memories From Ridgefield Park Couple Christmas Fire Steals 45+ Years Of Memories From Ridgefield Park Couple
Christmas Fire Steals 45+ Years Of Memories From Ridgefield Park Couple A Ridgefield Park family is grappling with unimaginable loss after a three-alarm fire destroyed their home of more than 45 years on Christmas morning, Wednesday, Dec. 25. Donovan and Terry Blades narrowly escaped the flames that engulfed their house on Emerson Street, leaving them with nothing but the pajamas they were wearing, according to a GoFundMe launched by their son, Aaron Blades. The fire, which broke out around 11 a.m., quickly spread, leaving their home uninhabitable and claiming all their belongings, including cherished family keepsakes. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but…
'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas 'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas
'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas Christmas brought a romantic twist for Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt, who announced their engagement on Thursday, Dec. 26.  Hannity popped the question during a special moment at their church, marking the culmination of their five-year relationship, Fox News reports. “We are overjoyed and so thankful to our families for all of their love and support during this wonderful time in our lives,” the couple said in a statement to Fox News, radiating joy as they celebrated the milestone. Hannity, 62, has deep roots on Long Island, where he grew up in Franklin Square. Start…
Water Main Breaks Close Major Bergen County Roadways Water Main Breaks Close Major Bergen County Roadways
Water Main Breaks Close Major Bergen County Roadways Two water main breaks were reported in two Bergen County towns Thursday night, Dec. 26. According to the NJDOT site, the first was reported in Ridgefield Park, closing all lanes of Route 46 east of the Hackensack River Bridge. The other was reported in Leonia along Grand Avenue south of Fort Lee Road.  All lanes were closed in both areas as of 10:15 p.m.
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month For the second time in a month a stowaway was caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, sparking concerns. The flight, from Seattle to Honolulu, was preparing for takeoff when crew members discovered the unticketed passenger onboard, leading to the plane returning to the gate on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Delta Airlines said that safety protocols were followed, resulting in the passenger’s removal and subsequent detention by law enforcement. The identity of the person has not been released. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed…
Deployed Dads Surprise Families In Morris County Holiday Homecomings Deployed Dads Surprise Families In Morris County Holiday Homecomings
Deployed Dads Surprise Families In Morris County Holiday Homecomings Two Roxbury families got the most welcome holiday gift anyone could ask for. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Nixon School, Hallie, 4, and her brother Leo, 3, were making ornaments, when their dad, Mariusz Cieslak, suddenly walked in. The kids hadn't seen Cieslak since he was deployed to Syria 11 months ago. Hallie's face lit up as she gave her dad a hug, Roxbury Public Schools said. On Thursday, Dec. 19, a family at the Franklin School got their own holiday surprise. During the 4th grade holiday recital, Bennett, 10, Nathan, 10 and Mason, 6, were called up to sing "I'll Be Home for Christmas." "I…
Big Lots Laying Off 385 NJ Employees As Stores Close: Here's Where Big Lots Laying Off 385 NJ Employees As Stores Close: Here's Where
Big Lots Laying Off 385 NJ Employees As Stores Close: Here's Where Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business, which means hundreds of workers are about to lose their jobs. The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has announced plans to close all 963 of its remaining stores nationwide, including 18 locations in New Jersey. According to a WARN notice, 385 New Jersey employees will be out of work by Feb. 28, 2025. The layoffs will be in Somers Point, Edgewater Park, North Cape May, Toms River, Clifton, Brickton, South Plainfield, West Deptford, Sicklerville, Middletown, Dover, Barnegat, Cape May Court…
$2M NJ Christmas Powerball: Back-To-Back Winners Both Sold In Garden State $2M NJ Christmas Powerball: Back-To-Back Winners Both Sold In Garden State
$2M NJ Christmas Powerball: Back-To-Back Winners Both Sold In Garden State A lucky New Jersey Lottery player scored $2 million in the Christmas Powerball drawing, matching five white balls and the multiplier, according to lottery officials. The winning numbers from the Wednesday, Dec. 25 drawing were 15, 26, 27, 30, 35, with the Powerball 03 and Power Play 3X. The winning ticket was sold by Jackpot.com, a Middlesex County-based courier. This $2 million prize comes just days after another $2 million Powerball win in the Friday, Dec. 20 drawing. That ticket was sold at Lucky 7 Deli, located at 397 Centre St., Nutley, in Essex County. While nobody claimed the j…
Services Finalized For Slain Elmwood Park Trucker, Grandfather Bobby Rodgers Services Finalized For Slain Elmwood Park Trucker, Grandfather Bobby Rodgers
Services Finalized For Slain Elmwood Park Trucker, Grandfather Bobby Rodgers Support is on the rise for the family of a 51-year-old father of five, shot and killed at a Clifton intersection days before Christmas. Robert "Bobby" Rodgers, of Elmwood Park, was killed on Dec. 20, when 67-year-old Angel Pacheco allegedly shot him following a confrontation at the intersection of Lakeview and Merselis avenues around 11:45 p.m., Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. Angel Pacheco Passaic County Prosecutor's Office Rodgers' obituary on the Shook Funeral Home website shows he was a lifelong Clifton resident who worked as a truck driver for Caravan in …
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…
Greek Shipping Firms Fined Millions for Polluting NJ Waters, Falsifying Records Greek Shipping Firms Fined Millions for Polluting NJ Waters, Falsifying Records
Greek Shipping Firms Fined Millions for Polluting NJ Waters, Falsifying Records Two Greek shipping companies were fined millions in federal court in Newark on Monday, Dec. 23 after pleading guilty to polluting waters, falsifying records, and obstructing justice during port calls in New Jersey last year, authorities said. Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises, owners and operators of the oil tanker Kriti Ruby, will pay $4.6 million in fines and community service payments, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said. They were also placed on probation for five years with mandatory environmental compliance monitoring, Sellinger said The companies illeg…
US Attorney For New Jersey Announces Resignation US Attorney For New Jersey Announces Resignation
US Attorney For New Jersey Announces Resignation Philip Sellinger, the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey announced on Monday, Dec. 23, he is resigning effective 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8. "Serving as the United States Attorney has been the honor of a lifetime," Sellinger said in a statement. "My sincere thanks to President Biden for appointing me the temporary steward of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I leave knowing the storied traditions of this office will continue through our dedicated career Assistant U.S. Attorneys and staff." Sellinger, 70, was nominated by Biden in 2021 upon the recommendation of then-Senat…
Strange Tasting Water Has Been Plaguing Some NJ Residents — Now They Know Why Strange Tasting Water Has Been Plaguing Some NJ Residents — Now They Know Why
Strange Tasting Water Has Been Plaguing Some NJ Residents — Now They Know Why Residents served by one New Jersey American Water system have been raising their eyebrows—and their glasses—after an unusual taste and smell in their water surfaced earlier this month. New Jersey American Water has since confirmed the culprit: a potent mix of fragrance and flavor compounds stemming from a Dec. 16 leak. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) revealed that the leak came from a local repackaging facility handling essential oils, fragrances, and flavorings, impacting those served by the Raritan System in Branchburg.  The compounds, though harmless,…
State Worker Steals $130K From Mom Who Killed Both Sons Then Fled To NJ For Drugs: DA State Worker Steals $130K From Mom Who Killed Both Sons Then Fled To NJ For Drugs: DA
State Worker Steals $130K From Mom Who Killed Both Sons Then Fled To NJ For Drugs: DA A Philadelphia woman stole over $130,000 from a former Norristown State Hospital resident who was convicted of murdering her two young sons, using the funds for personal expenses, including a Puerto Rico vacation, officials announced on Monday, Dec. 23. Bridget Nicole Compton, 51, is accused of stealing $132,480.01 from the TD Ameritrade account of Trinh Nguyen, a former Norristown State Hospital resident, officials in Bucks County, PA said. Nguyen is currently serving two life sentences for fatally shooting her sons, 13-year-old Jeffrey “JT” Tini and 9-year-old Nelson Tini, in their Upper M…
NJ 'Hot Shot' Murderess Found Dead In PA Prison Cell 3 Days After Probation Violation Arrest NJ 'Hot Shot' Murderess Found Dead In PA Prison Cell 3 Days After Probation Violation Arrest
NJ 'Hot Shot' Murderess Found Dead In PA Prison Cell 3 Days After Probation Violation Arrest A New Jersey woman convicted of murder, who admitted to injecting a man with a fatal mix of cocaine and bleach, was found dead in her cell at the State Correctional Institution at Muncy, officials announced. Lisa Marie Stavish, 41, a Passaic, NJ native, was discovered unresponsive in her cell on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, according to Wendy Nicholas, superintendent of SCI Muncy. Prison staff attempted life-saving measures until emergency responders arrived, but Stavish was pronounced dead at 6:07 a.m. Stavish was serving a 7-to-20-year sentence for third-degree murder in the death of David…
Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser
Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment, is suing one of his accusers, a Northern Westchester native, for defamation.  Cuomo, age 67, filed the lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court on Thursday, Dec. 19 against former staffer Charlotte Bennett, a Northern Westchester native, who accused the former governor of sexual harassment in 2021.  Bennett had previously filed a federal lawsuit against former Gov. Cuomo in September 2022. However, she voluntarily dropped the lawsuit on Monday, Dec. 9, saying in a joint statement …
Newly Minted Multi-Millionaire! Ticket Sold In Essex County Wins Big Newly Minted Multi-Millionaire! Ticket Sold In Essex County Wins Big
Newly Minted Multi-Millionaire! Ticket Sold In Essex County Wins Big A Powerball player in Essex County is having a very happy, and lucrative holidays. A ticket sold in Nutley matched five white balls and the multiplier to win $2 million in the drawing held on Saturday, Dec. 21. The ticket was bought at Lucky 7 Deli and Food Mart at 397 Centre St. The winning numbers were 01, 12, 17, 21, 58. The Powerball was 01 and the Power Play was 3X.
NJ's $1.13B Lotto Winner Comes Forward After Months Of Mystery, Officials Say NJ's $1.13B Lotto Winner Comes Forward After Months Of Mystery, Officials Say
NJ's $1.13B Lotto Winner Comes Forward After Months Of Mystery, Officials Say The winner of the largest lottery jackpot in the Garden State's history has finally claimed their prize nearly nine months later, officials said. A New Jersey resident has officially submitted their winning ticket in the $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release on Monday, Dec. 23. The winner was purchased at ShopRite Wine & Spirits on Route 66 in Neptune Township in the drawing on Tuesday, Mar. 26. The ticket matched all five numbers—7, 11, 22, 29, 38—plus the Mega Ball of 4, securing the fifth-largest jackpot in Mega Million…
'In Better Spirits:' Lyndhurst Family Finds Hope After Fire Destroys Home Days Before Christmas 'In Better Spirits:' Lyndhurst Family Finds Hope After Fire Destroys Home Days Before Christmas
'In Better Spirits:' Lyndhurst Family Finds Hope After Fire Destroys Home Days Before Christmas A Lyndhurst family of six is rebuilding their lives after a devastating fire destroyed their home and car just days before Christmas. Thanks to an outpouring of community support, they are finding hope amid heartbreak. The fire broke out Friday evening, Dec. 20, at 52 Livingston Ave., displacing two parents and their four young children, according to the Lyndhurst Fire Department. Flames, which were visible from the rear of the first floor, spread to a vehicle in the driveway before crews could extinguish the blaze. Although no injuries were reported, the home was deemed uninhabitable. …
Forgotten On The Bus: 4-Year-Old Girl Never Made It To School, NJ Mom Demands Answers Forgotten On The Bus: 4-Year-Old Girl Never Made It To School, NJ Mom Demands Answers
Forgotten On The Bus: 4-Year-Old Girl Never Made It To School, NJ Mom Demands Answers A 4-year-old New Jersey girl was left on a school bus for nearly six hours in what her mother is calling a traumatic and preventable incident. Darielle Lugo said her daughter, Makani, was supposed to arrive at the Bargaintown Preschool in Egg Harbor Township around 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, after being put on the bus by her father.  But Makani never made it to class. The ordeal came to light when Darielle’s husband arrived at the school around 2:05 p.m. for a class party. After signing in with security, he discovered Makani had been marked absent. “I thought it was a joke…
$2M Powerball Ticket Sold In New Jersey $2M Powerball Ticket Sold In New Jersey
$2M Powerball Ticket Sold In New Jersey A $2 million winning Powerball ticket from the Saturday, Dec. 21 drawing sold in New Jersey. The lucky ticket matched the five numbers drawn and the Power Play, but not the Powerball. A second ticket matching the same was sold in Idaho. The numbers were: 1, 12, 17, 21, 58, and the Powerball was 1. The Power Play was 3X. Lottery officials are expected to announce where the ticket was sold in the coming days.
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced it will issue automatic payments this month to nearly one million taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.  These payments aim to assist eligible individuals who missed claiming the credit, which provides up to $1,400 per person for those who didn’t receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). Who Will Receive Payments? Eligible taxpayers include those who filed a 2021 tax return but either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0 despite qualifying. Payments wil…
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NJ Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NJ
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NJ New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington DC residents are being urged to avoid consuming certain oysters after a recall linked to a norovirus outbreak, federal officials announced.  The contaminated oysters were sold under the brands Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi and harvested between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9, 2024, from British Columbia (BC), Canada, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The oysters, distributed by S&M Shellfish Co. of San Francisco, were shipped to retailers and restaurants across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Pe…
'She Was Sent To Me:' Nutley Woman Adopts Dog Struck On Route 4 After Losing Her Own 'She Was Sent To Me:' Nutley Woman Adopts Dog Struck On Route 4 After Losing Her Own
'She Was Sent To Me:' Nutley Woman Adopts Dog Struck On Route 4 After Losing Her Own Natalie D’Angelo believes her beloved dog Zoey, who passed away in March, played a role in bringing Stella into her life.  On Friday, Dec. 20, the 41-year-old Nutley resident adopted Stella, the dog who had survived being struck by a car on Route 4 in Hackensack, from the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro. “I just lost my dog in March—she was a half dachshund—and because of that, I felt like maybe Stella was being sent to me from her,” D’Angelo said with Stella in her lap on the floor of the shelter. “I feel like I have the love of my other dog back.” View …
Grand Jury Declines To File Charges After Death At Paterson Police Headquarters: AG Grand Jury Declines To File Charges After Death At Paterson Police Headquarters: AG
Grand Jury Declines To File Charges After Death At Paterson Police Headquarters: AG A grand jury has declined to indict anyone after a 57-year-old Paterson woman died in 2022 while in custody at the Paterson Police Department, authorities said. Rosita Diaz was arrested Thursday, February 17, 2022, for alleged possession of narcotics, the State Attorney General's Office said. Between Feb. 17 and Feb. 18, she was taken to a hospital several times for either medical issues or medical/psychological clearance for incarceration, authorities said. After her last discharge from the hospital, and while awaiting transportation to the jail, she was found unresponsive in a Paterson Po…
Ex-Paterson Mayor Avoids Jailtime In Admitting To Violating Public Office Ban Ex-Paterson Mayor Avoids Jailtime In Admitting To Violating Public Office Ban
Ex-Paterson Mayor Avoids Jailtime In Admitting To Violating Public Office Ban Former Paterson Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres pleaded guilty to criminal contempt for defying a 2017 court order permanently barring him from running for or holding public office, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced. Torres, 66, admitted during a hearing on Thursday, Dec. 19, in Passaic County Superior Court that his 2022 bid to reclaim the mayor’s seat violated the judicial order. The plea, to a fourth-degree criminal contempt charge, followed an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA)’s Corruption Bureau. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the St…
Cats Soaked In Urine Abandoned In Paterson Parking Lot, Rescuers Say Cats Soaked In Urine Abandoned In Paterson Parking Lot, Rescuers Say
Cats Soaked In Urine Abandoned In Paterson Parking Lot, Rescuers Say Two cats were rescued in Paterson after being abandoned in a parking lot during near-freezing temperatures, left in a filthy carrier soaked in urine and rainwater, rescuers say. According to the Oakland-based Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge (RBARI), the animals, named Sid and Tony, are now receiving emergency medical care after enduring severe neglect and exposure. RBARI said the cats were found traumatized and sick from the conditions they were subjected to.  “Sid and Tony urgently need your help,” the organization said in a statement, highlighting the critical care the cats require to r…
FAA Bans Drones From Flying Over Parts Of New Jersey: See The List FAA Bans Drones From Flying Over Parts Of New Jersey: See The List
FAA Bans Drones From Flying Over Parts Of New Jersey: See The List New Jersey’s skies are getting a no-drone zone makeover.  In response to a string of drone sightings that have raised eyebrows and security concerns across the state, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued 22 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) banning drones from buzzing around "critical New Jersey infrastructure." Prompted by a request from federal security partners, the restrictions are set to take effect Wednesday, Dec. 17, and will run through Friday, Jan. 17. The no-fly zones below aim to curb potential risks posed by drones near sensitive sites and ensure airspace…
NJ Magazine Distributor Ordered To Pay $300K In Back Wages, Penalties: Attorney General NJ Magazine Distributor Ordered To Pay $300K In Back Wages, Penalties: Attorney General
NJ Magazine Distributor Ordered To Pay $300K In Back Wages, Penalties: Attorney General A New Jersey magazine and newspaper distributor will be paying nearly $300,000 in back wages and penalties after misclassifying employees as independent contractors, authorities said. The New Jersey Department of Labor began investigating NJ Penn, which has offices in Jersey City, and determined that between 2018 and 2022, NJ Penn misclassified at least 105 newspaper delivery, warehouse, and other workers as independent contractors instead of employees, in violation of New Jersey law, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office said. NJ Penn violated numerous labor laws, including failing to p…
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Jaw Of Mastodon From Ice Age Unearthed At NY Home Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Jaw Of Mastodon From Ice Age Unearthed At NY Home
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Jaw Of Mastodon From Ice Age Unearthed At NY Home A backyard in New York became the site of a remarkable prehistoric discovery when a homeowner unearthed a complete and well-preserved jaw of a mastodon, an ancient relative of modern elephants. Alongside the jaw, researchers also uncovered a toe bone fragment and a piece of a rib. The discovery began in the Hudson Valley when the Orange County resident noticed two large teeth protruding from the soil beneath a plant near the home in Scotchtown, according to the New York State Museum in a social media post on Tuesday, Dec. 17. After further digging revealed additional teeth, experts from th…