Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

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…
Here's Timing, Projected Snowfall Totals For System On Track For Northeast Here's Timing, Projected Snowfall Totals For System On Track For Northeast
Here's Timing, Projected Snowfall Totals For System On Track For Northeast 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…
Longtime Bergen County BBQ Spot To Close NY Location Months After Shuttering In NJ Longtime Bergen County BBQ Spot To Close NY Location Months After Shuttering In NJ
Longtime Bergen County 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…
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…
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…
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 …
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:' 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…
NJ Amazon Worker Deaths Spark Federal Lawsuit: What Really Happened? NJ Amazon Worker Deaths Spark Federal Lawsuit: What Really Happened?
NJ Amazon Worker Deaths Spark Federal Lawsuit: What Really Happened? 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…