RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A petition to stop using pigs as racing animals at East Rutherford's Meadowlands Fair has amounted more than 14,000 signatures.The petition cites cruel treatment of the pigs as the reason to discontinue their use as racing animals. According to the petition creator, pigs are transported in cramped spaces, exposed to extreme temperatures and lack adequate food and ...

LODI, NJ. — Between open heart surgery, cervical cancer and lymphedema, Lodi's Joann "Mama Jo" Ibach Pernice can't catch a break.The Lodi resident has become a surrogate mother for many in the community, according to a GoFundMe started in her name. "Mama Jo is a loving, selfless person who always put everyone else first and continues to do so which is completely ...

CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. — Like many places across New Jersey, Arenie in Cliffside Park sells a lot of pizza. But it's far from the traditional cheese and sauce you might be used to.Primarily comprised of ground beef and spices, Lahmajoon is what's known as "Armenian Pizza." It's the most popular item for the Armenian Market.Arenie specializes in authentic Armenian foods. Going so ...

GARFIELD, N.J. — Andrew Plucinski of Garfield is not a doctor, but he has an idea of what might help with some ailments: Leeches.Officially titled a Hirudotherapist, Plucinski specializes in how leeches can relieve many ailments in the human body. Despite the medieval approach, he doesn't think his work is strange."This is the oldest medicine there is," Plucinski ...

TENAFLY, N.J. — Ray Lucas' NFL career ended with an injury that started him toward painkiller abuse. Now, recovered from his addiction, Lucas will share his cautionary tale in Tenafly.Tenafly's Our Community Allied with Youth (OCAY) will host Lucas and other panelists for their first event of the year meant to raise awareness about drug addiction.Lucas is a Rutgers alumni who played for ...

TENAFLY, N.J. — The wife of a jogger who was struck and killed by a car in October 2016 is filing a lawsuit against the driver, NJ.com reports.Robert E. Hyer Jr. was out for a morning jog when he crossed the intersection of East Clinton Avenue, and was struck by a car driven by Raffaella Garritano, the article says.The lawsuit says Garritano was under-insured and recklessly caused the ...

LEONIA, N.J. — More than $9,000 has been raised for a Leonia father who suffered severe health problems only to get booted from his home by a realtor.Lenny of Leonia was hospitalized for severe pain and bleeding and discovered the cause was a large tumor in his kidney. He suffered a heart attack but eventually recovered. He returned home to find the house he had been renting for 20 ...

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. — Gary Doran had his life steeped in religion before taking over The Religious Shoppe in Hasbrouck Heights.But he's never considered himself to be deeply religious."I don’t consider myself a religious nut or zealot — I’ve always been very comfortable with religion and dealing with the church," Doran said.He spent most of his career working in public ...

LODI, N.J. — For much of Bergen County, Snowstorm Stella has come and gone. But on some Lodi streets, thick layers of snow and ice remain.Many streets were plowed during and after the storm but a select few were not attended to, leaving poor road conditions days after the storm.For Lodi residents, the weekend's anticipated above-freezing temperatures are likely the only solution to ...

WESTWOOD, N.J. — A local motorcycle club has chosen a 7-year-old battling cancer from Westwood to be the recipient of its annual charity event.The Renegade Pigs of Carlstadt will be  honoring Joey Bulger, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October.More $9,000 has been raised for the 7-year-old, who has been out of school since being diagnosed.Donations are accepted ...