Tobacco Costs NJ Smokers $4.4M Over Lifetimes, Lose Third-Most Income In U.S.: Study Tobacco Costs NJ Smokers $4.4M Over Lifetimes, Lose Third-Most Income In U.S.: Study
Tobacco Costs NJ Smokers $4.4M Over Lifetimes, Lose Third-Most Income In U.S.: Study Northeast and mid-Atlantic states are among the most expensive in the U.S. for smoking tobacco, according to a new study. New York topped the 2025 list from WalletHub called "The Real Cost of Smoking by State", with residents losing an estimated $5.4 million over their lifetime. Washington, D.C., Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island were also ranked in the top five. The study calculated smoking-related costs by combining out-of-pocket expenses, lost income, increased insurance premiums, and missed financial opportunities, such as investing in the stock market instead of …
Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores, Mishandling Disputes: CFPB Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores, Mishandling Disputes: CFPB
Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores, Mishandling Disputes: Cfpb One of the nation’s largest credit reporting agencies has been fined $15 million for issuing inaccurate credit scores and failing to properly investigate consumer disputes, officials said. Equifax will pay the fine into the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's victims relief fund, the federal agency said in a news release on Friday, Jan. 17. The CFPB's investigation found Equifax ignored critical evidence submitted by consumers disputing inaccuracies in their credit reports. According to the CFPB, Equifax also allowed deleted errors to resurface and relied on flaw…
Multi-Million Diesel Fuel Theft Ring Busted in NJ: AG Multi-Million Diesel Fuel Theft Ring Busted in NJ: AG
Multi-Million Diesel Fuel Theft Ring Busted in NJ: AG A sophisticated operation that stole credit card information and used cloned cards to purchase diesel fuel, and then resold it for millions in illicit profits has been dismantled, authorities announced on Thursday, Jan. 16. The scheme involved 25 people and four companies operating in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. The enterprise used credit card skimmers installed at gas pumps to steal data and create cloned cards, Platkin said. The group used modified vehicles with auxiliary fuel tanks to store and tran…
New Jersey Has Never Been This Packed: Garden State Breaks Population Records New Jersey Has Never Been This Packed: Garden State Breaks Population Records
New Jersey Has Never Been This Packed: Garden State Breaks Population Records New Jersey isn’t just holding its ground—it’s taking the lead.  The Garden State is celebrating a banner year as it kicks off 2025 with historic highs in jobs, employers, and population. If you thought New Jersey was just a pit stop on the way to New York or Philly, think again—it’s where everyone wants to be. With more than 9.5 million residents, New Jersey has never been this packed—or this popular. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau reports a 1.3% population spike from 2023, the fastest growth rate in the Northeast. That’s 121,209 new neighbors and counting. But it’s not just the peop…
NJ Shines In Key Areas For Raising Families In New Study: See The Details NJ Shines In Key Areas For Raising Families In New Study: See The Details
NJ Shines In Key Areas For Raising Families In New Study: See The Details Massachusetts leads the U.S. as a place for raising families and two other Northeast states are among the nation's best, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of best and worst states to raise a family on Monday, Jan. 13. The personal finance website ranked each state on family-friendliness, evaluating factors like housing affordability, healthcare quality, job security, and education. Massachusetts claimed the top spot, excelling in education and healthcare. The state boasts the nation’s best public schools, the highest rate of children with health insurance, and …
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools 2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools
2025 Tax Season Begins: What You Need To Know About Expanded Options, New Tools Early filers, get ready. The 2025 tax season is here! The IRS will start accepting and processing tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27, the agency said in a news release. IRS Free File also became available on Friday, Jan. 10 to taxpayers who qualify through private-sector partners. With more than 140 million tax returns expected, the IRS urged taxpayers to take advantage of updated online resources and consider using trusted tax preparers to avoid scams. "This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their …
Trump Sentenced On 34 Felony Counts In Historic NY Hush Money Case Trump Sentenced On 34 Felony Counts In Historic NY Hush Money Case
Trump Sentenced On 34 Felony Counts In Historic NY Hush Money Case In a landmark case, President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced in New York on 34 felony counts tied to hush money payments and falsified business records. On Friday morning, Jan. 10, Judge Juan Merchan issued an unconditional discharge — a rare sentencing option in New York law that imposes no jail time, fines, or probation.  The judge referenced the “unique and remarkable set of circumstances” surrounding the trial and emphasized that US presidents are considered “ordinary citizens in the eyes of the court.” This decision follows a unanimous jury verdict in May that found Trump guilt…
Macy’s Closing 66 Stores Including Locations In NJ Macy’s Closing 66 Stores Including Locations In NJ
Macy’s Closing 66 Stores Including Locations In NJ Macy’s, Inc. confirmed on Thursday, Jan. 9, the closure of 16 stores across Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland as part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy. The closures are among 66 Macy’s locations set to shutter nationwide, a move designed to return the company to "sustainable, profitable sales growth." The stores closing in these states include: Virginia Southpark Mall Pennsylvania Logan Valley Mall Exton Square Mall Wyoming Valley Mall Philadelphia Center City Store in the Wanamaker Building New Jersey Essex Green Shopping Center New York Lake Success Melv…
Trump Eyes US Expansion Of Canada, Greenland, Panama Canal, New 'Gulf Of America' Trump Eyes US Expansion Of Canada, Greenland, Panama Canal, New 'Gulf Of America'
Trump Eyes US Expansion Of Canada, Greenland, Panama Canal, New 'Gulf Of America' President-elect Donald Trump unveiled sweeping plans for US territorial expansion in the Western Hemisphere during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, Florida.  He refused to rule out military action to retake the Panama Canal, proposed the acquisition of Greenland, and suggested economic measures to incorporate Canada into the United States. Leaders in all three countries swiftly condemned the remarks. The remarks came during a news conference on Tuesday, Jan. 7, where Trump covered a wide range of topics, including his plans to reshape American energy pol…
Northeast States Shine In Cancer Research Rankings, Study Says Northeast States Shine In Cancer Research Rankings, Study Says
Northeast States Shine In Cancer Research Rankings, Study Says Many states in the Northeast are among the country's best in the fight against cancer, with Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland ranked as leaders, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the best state for cancer research, according to a SmileHub study released on Tuesday, Jan. 7. New York was just behind the Bay State in second place. The study, which assessed all 50 states based on metrics like clinical trials per capita and hospital quality, came as the U.S. saw more than 611,000 cancer-related deaths and nearly two million new cases in 2024. Massachusetts boasts the highes…
Behind The Glitter: Tiles For Iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Made By Company At NY/NJ Border Behind The Glitter: Tiles For Iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Made By Company At NY/NJ Border
Behind The Glitter: Tiles For Iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Made By Company At NY/NJ Border A New York glass company is ringing in the New Year with a dazzling milestone—creating the triangular glass tiles for the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. As 2025 begins, Gillinder Glass, a Port Jervis-based company with a history spanning over 160 years, celebrates its role in one of the world’s most famous traditions: the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball drop. In September, Jamestown, the owners of One Times Square, selected the company to design and manufacture 2,688 unique triangular glass tiles for the six-ton ball. The dazzling sphere, featuring 32,256 LED lights, captivates m…
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NJ Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NJ
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NJ A popular frozen vegetable product is being recalled due to undeclared milk allergens, posing a risk to individuals with milk allergies. Key Details: Company: Lidl Product Name: “Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables” Product Details: 10.5 oz box, UPC 4 056489 122876 Distribution Period: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 to Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 States Affected: Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia Consumer Action: Do not consume the product. Return it to any Lidl store for a full refund; no rece…