Daily Voice Reader’s Choice

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Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later
Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later After almost one whole week, the Jennings Creek Wildfire had been 75% contained on Thursday, Nov. 14, officials said. The wildfire continues to burn across Passaic County, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York Department of Environmental Conservation leading containment efforts. The fire has burned 2,283 acres in New Jersey. While no structures are currently threatened or evacuated in New Jersey, residents are advised to avoid the area. Road closures remain in effect on East Shore Road from Awosting Road to Greenwood Lake Turnpike, as well as B…
Estate Of NJ “Grammy” Sues For Wrongful Death Following Fatal I-81 Crash Estate Of NJ “Grammy” Sues For Wrongful Death Following Fatal I-81 Crash
Estate Of NJ “Grammy” Sues For Wrongful Death Following Fatal I-81 Crash The estate of a woman known lovingly as “Grammy” to her family, is suing for her wrongful death after a tragic crash on Interstate 81, according to court documents obtained by Daily Voice on Tuesday, Nov. 12.  Eileen Beck, 80, who was born and raised in West Orange, New Jersey, and her companion John Sheltman, 79 — both with ties to Selinsgrove but most recently lived in Towada — were in a Subaru Outback, and Lieu Nguyen, 49, of Harrisburg, who was the driver of a Toyota Mini Van — were all pronounced deceased at the scene of "Multiple Traumatic Injuries", Coroner Charles Hall told…
Watch: North Jersey Teacher Surprised With 'Oscars Of Teaching' Award Watch: North Jersey Teacher Surprised With 'Oscars Of Teaching' Award
Watch: North Jersey Teacher Surprised With 'Oscars Of Teaching' Award Students, teachers, and community leaders gathered at a New Jersey Middle School Thursday, Nov. 14, expecting a standard visit from New Jersey Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer.  But the assembly at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School took an exciting twist when Dr. Jane Foley of the Milken Educator Awards took the stage to reveal that fifth-grade teacher Emily Litz was New Jersey’s only recipient of the 2024-25 Milken Educator Award, often referred to as the "Oscars of Teaching." Along with the honor, Litz received an unrestricted $25,000 prize and made hi…
Teen Seriously Injured By Hit-Run Driver Who Had Sedan Repaired, Bergen County Prosecutor Says Teen Seriously Injured By Hit-Run Driver Who Had Sedan Repaired, Bergen County Prosecutor Says
Teen Seriously Injured By Hit-Run Driver Who Had Sedan Repaired, Bergen County Prosecutor Says A 28-year-old Fort Lee man is facing multiple charges following a hit-and-run accident that left a teenager seriously injured last month, authorities said. Hugo R. Paz-Lajuj was identified as the driver who struck the 17-year-old boy on Oct. 14 around 6:40 a.m., at Brinkerhoff Avenue near 14th Street in Palisades Park, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. The boy was hospitalized with serious injuries and Paz-Lajuj fled, Musella said. After a month-long investigation, detectives identified Paz-Lajuj as the driver and found his 2004 Honda Civic, which had reportedly be…
Nominate Your Favorite Bergen County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Nominate Your Favorite Bergen County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice
Nominate Your Favorite Bergen County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Daily Voice is excited to announce its first-ever Readers’ Choice contest in Bergen County! Readers’ Choice is set to showcase the top businesses that make the area special. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a family-run pizzeria, a boutique spa, or a dedicated local handyman, this is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve. Who makes the best pie in Bergen County? Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-pizza-2619970/ Nominations Are Open! Do you have a favorite place you love to dine at? Is there a hairstylist who always gets your look just right? …
North Jersey Soda Exec Confesses To Sharing Secret Formulas With Competitors, Feds Say North Jersey Soda Exec Confesses To Sharing Secret Formulas With Competitors, Feds Say
North Jersey Soda Exec Confesses To Sharing Secret Formulas With Competitors, Feds Say An executive from North Brunswick admitted to sharing secret soda formulas with his company's competitors, authorities said. Andrew Blum, 63, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Nov. 12 to conspiracy to possess stolen trade secrets and possession of stolen trade secrets, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release. Blum was the vice president of product development for an unnamed North Jersey-based maker of oil products and proprietary flavors from 2013 until Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. The parent corporation of Blum's company was one of the world’s largest produc…
National Auto Parts Retailer To Close Over 700 Stores National Auto Parts Retailer To Close Over 700 Stores
National Auto Parts Retailer To Close Over 700 Stores A nationwide auto parts retailers says it will close over 700 stores as part of “a strategic plan to improve business performance.” Advance Auto Parts, which has about 4,800 total stores, and locations in almost every state, made the announcement on Thursday, Nov. 14. The affected outlets will close by May 2025 and are made up of 523 corporate stores, and 204 independently owned locations. In addition, four distribution centers will also close. Specific locations to be closed have not yet been announced. In announcing the move, President and Chief Executive Officer Shane O’Kelly said…
Newly Named Tropical Storm Sara Forms: Here's Latest Newly Named Tropical Storm Sara Forms: Here's Latest
Newly Named Tropical Storm Sara Forms: Here's Latest There's a brand-new tropical storm with just two weeks remaining in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. A system in the central Caribbean Sea called Tropical Depression 19 was upgraded to Tropical Storm Sara on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 14. It's now moving westward toward Central America.  Tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of Honduras and Nicaragua.  "Residents in these areas should monitor the storm's progress and follow local advisories," the National Hurricane Center said. Current projections have the storm headed to Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 20. (See the …
Kingda Ka Retired At Six Flags Great Adventure, 'Record-Breaking' Replacement Coming In 2026 Kingda Ka Retired At Six Flags Great Adventure, 'Record-Breaking' Replacement Coming In 2026
Kingda Ka Retired At Six Flags Great Adventure, 'Record-Breaking' Replacement Coming In 2026 Six Flags Great Adventure is closing down the world's tallest roller coaster after two decades of thrills, officials said. The Jackson Township amusement park's Kingda Ka roller coaster will be retired, Six Flags said in a news release on Thursday, Nov. 14. The ride's closing is one of many changes for the 2025 season at the resort. Kingda Ka opened in 2005 and gave more than 12 million rides to parkgoers. "We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests' passion," park president Brian Bacica said. "These changes are an important part of ou…
Look Inside NJ's First Eataly: Sprawling Store, Restaurant Open At High-End Mall Look Inside NJ's First Eataly: Sprawling Store, Restaurant Open At High-End Mall
Look Inside NJ's First Eataly: Sprawling Store, Restaurant Open At High-End Mall Eataly is now open in the Garden State. The Italian marketplace opened its first New Jersey location at The Mall at Short Hills on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The 17,000 square foot store aim to give patrons a taste of the "authentic Italian lifestyle," according to a release. Eataly Short Hills features a 230-seat restaurant and bar, Eataly Ristorante, which offers traditional antipasti, pasta dishes, Pizza Napoletana, and main courses like chicken Milanese, alongside an extensive wine list. The store also hosts several quick-serve counters that offer grab-and-go items including coffee, pastries,…
Congestion Pricing: Murphy Opposes Hochul's Program Charging Drivers $9 In Parts Of Manhattan Congestion Pricing: Murphy Opposes Hochul's Program Charging Drivers $9 In Parts Of Manhattan
Congestion Pricing: Murphy Opposes Hochul's Program Charging Drivers $9 In Parts Of Manhattan New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is pushing back against New York’s plan to revive the congestion pricing plan, expressing concerns about the impact on New Jersey commuters who regularly travel into Manhattan.  Governor Kathy Hochul's plan, which reduces daily congestion fees to $9 down from $15, aims to reduce traffic and fund transit improvements, but Murphy argues it unfairly targets New Jersey residents.  The plan would require motorists to face $9 tolls when entering certain parts of Manhattan known as the Congestion Relief Zone. The zone is comprised of Lower Manhattan south …
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports A developer is planning to bring a new purpose to a shuttered and iconic amusement park on the Ocean City boardwalk, according to reports. Wonderland Pier owner Eustace Mita said he wants to create a 252-room hotel on the site of the theme park that closed in October, abc6 Action News reported. Mita is also the developer and CEO of ICONA Resorts. The $135 to $155 million proposal would preserve Wonderland's famous Ferris wheel and carousel. "Our thought was we will rehab it, keep it, and actually raise it by 10 feet," Mita told abc6. "That will be a $1.5 million project." A renderi…
Red Lobster Launches New-Look Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy Red Lobster Launches New-Look Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy
Red Lobster Launches New-Look Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy Two months after exiting bankruptcy, restaurant chain Red Lobster is unveiling a revamped menu. It features these seven new items: Lobster Pappardelle Pasta Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops Lobster Bisque Lemon Basil Mahi Simply Prepared Mahi Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Roasted Asparagus In addition, a pair of old fan-favorites that had been discontinued are back:  Popcorn Shrimp, Hush Puppies  Red Lobster is now giving guests the ability to customize their seafood favorites with the launch of "Create your Own Ultimate Feast." Customers can mix and match two premium picks such as …
Zach Bryan Announces MetLife Stadium Show Amid Explosive Allegations From Ex-GF Zach Bryan Announces MetLife Stadium Show Amid Explosive Allegations From Ex-GF
Zach Bryan Announces MetLife Stadium Show Amid Explosive Allegations From Ex-GF Country music sensation and Grammy winner Zach Bryan has added a MetLife Stadium show to his 2025 tour, sharing the stage with Kings of Leon in East Rutherford for Summer 2025.  The U.S. Navy veteran turned singer-songwriter took to social media on Wednesday, Nov. 13, to make the announcement, saying, “Always been a dream to play MetLife Stadium, so we’re doin’ it with Kings of Leon… New York City, we’re coming for ya." While fans eagerly await the upcoming show, Bryan’s announcement comes as he faces public scrutiny following a turbulent breakup with influencer Brianna LaPaglia, known…
Meet Jerry From 'Parks And Recreation' In Bergen County Meet Jerry From 'Parks And Recreation' In Bergen County
Meet Jerry From 'Parks And Recreation' In Bergen County Jerry/Garry/Terry/Barry/Larry Gergich is making the trek from Pawnee to Bergen County. Jim O'Heir, who played the hard-luck character on the acclaimed sitcom "Parks and Recreation," is signing copies of his new book "Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation," at Bookends in Ridgewood on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. O'Heir takes people behind the scenes of the show, featuring never-before-told stories and interviews with the cast, including Chris Pratt, Retta and Rob Lowe, and tales of epic dance-offs in the hair and makeup trailers to iconic birthday partie…
Truck Fire Spreads To Brush In Ramsey Truck Fire Spreads To Brush In Ramsey
Truck Fire Spreads To Brush In Ramsey Ramsey firefighters knocked down a truck fire that spread to nearby brush Wednesday evening, Nov. 13, the department said.  The blaze was reported around 6 p.m., prompting Engine 431, Engine 432, and Engine 433 to the scene on Lake Street. First arriving crews confirmed a fully involved truck fire, which they quickly brought under control within minutes, Ramsey fire officials reported. All units operated on scene for approximately one hour before returning to service. No injuries were reported.
Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report
Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report Former New York Congressman Michael Grimm has been left paralyzed from the chest down after a severe horse-riding accident during a polo tournament, and is being treated in New Jersey, CBS News reports citing a friend of Grimm's.  Grimm, age 54, was thrown from his horse in September and is now undergoing treatment at the renowned Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, which has locations in West Orange, Saddle Brook, Chester, and Marlton.  Headquartered in West Orange, Kessler is where actor Christopher Reeve was treated following a similar accident in 1995, and was…
Shuttered NJ Stop & Shop Replaced By New Grocery Store Facing Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp Shuttered NJ Stop & Shop Replaced By New Grocery Store Facing Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp
Shuttered NJ Stop & Shop Replaced By New Grocery Store Facing Multi-Million-Dollar Revamp A brand-new grocery store has replaced Stop & Shop in Passaic County, which was among 32 of underperforming stores in the region, and 10 in New Jersey, that closed. The Fresh Grocer, a division of Wakefern operated by the Inserra Family, opened to an enthusiastic crowd at Ringwood’s Fieldstone Park Shopping Center on Friday, Nov. 8.  The supermarket’s grand opening saw a strong turnout from the community, who gathered to welcome the new addition to the neighborhood just two weeks after Stop&Shop closed its doors. The Fresh Grocer is set to undergo a multi-million dollar r…
Unconscious Driver Found With Heroin Blocking Traffic At Bergen County Intersection: Police Unconscious Driver Found With Heroin Blocking Traffic At Bergen County Intersection: Police
Unconscious Driver Found With Heroin Blocking Traffic At Bergen County Intersection: Police Police arrested 23-year-old Lyndhurst man on multiple drug charges after he was found unconscious and slumped over the wheel of his car, blocking traffic this week. Austin Gilchrist was unresponsive and slumped over the steering wheel of a Ford Escape with its engine running, when Lyndhurst police were called to DeJessa Bridge just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. When attempts to wake Gilchrist failed, officers forced entry into the vehicle. Upon waking, Gilchrist was assisted out of the car, and officers discovered a wax fold containing heroin, along…
Upscale Champagne, Caviar Bar Brings Luxe Dining To American Dream Mall Upscale Champagne, Caviar Bar Brings Luxe Dining To American Dream Mall
Upscale Champagne, Caviar Bar Brings Luxe Dining To American Dream Mall A chic champagne and caviar bar has opened at the American Dream in East Rutherford, giving guests a luxurious new spot to relax between high-end shopping.  Isola Bella opened on Thursday, Oct. 31 inside The Avenue. The bar offers an elegant menu filled with fresh seafood and sparkling drinks. The menu features jumbo shrimp cocktails, oysters, caviar selections, pastrami smoked salmon, and smoked sea bass, among other upscale bites. Alcoholic options include champagne and sparkling wine, along with a selection of wines by the glass or bottle and hand-crafted cocktails.  Non-alcoh…
Passaic County Ex-Con Charged In Deadly Attack Near Times Square Passaic County Ex-Con Charged In Deadly Attack Near Times Square
Passaic County Ex-Con Charged In Deadly Attack Near Times Square A New Jersey man recently released from prison has been arrested and charged with murder after a young Manhattan woman died from injuries sustained in an assault, according to the NYPD. Leslie Torres, 23, was walking on West 46th Street near 8th Avenue when she was attacked by Jaheem Warren, 33, of Prospect Park, on Tuesday, Oct. 29 around 1:35 p.m., according to NBC and the NYPD. Torres was left unconscious on the sidewalk in front of the Riu Plaza New York Times Square Hotel, NBC says. Torres, who lived on West 45th Street, was in critical condition when she arrived at Mount Sinai W…
13 Hurt In Crash Involving Bus Carrying Military Personnel On NJ Turnpike: Report 13 Hurt In Crash Involving Bus Carrying Military Personnel On NJ Turnpike: Report
13 Hurt In Crash Involving Bus Carrying Military Personnel On NJ Turnpike: Report Thirteen people were hurt in a crash on the NJ Turnpike involving a bus carrying military personnel, 6abc reports. The passenger bus had broke down was heading north and was in the right lane and right shoulder when it was struck by a tractor trailer just before 1 p.m. at milepost 25.6 in Runnemede, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said. "There were multiple non-life-threatening injuries of occupants on the bus and the driver of the tractor-trailer," Lebron said. Among those injured were 12 people on the bus, which was coming from Maryland, according to 6abc. No further details…
Police Urge Residents Not To Call 911 Over Smoke From Jennings Creek Wildfire Police Urge Residents Not To Call 911 Over Smoke From Jennings Creek Wildfire
Police Urge Residents Not To Call 911 Over Smoke From Jennings Creek Wildfire The Jennings Creek Wildfire has burned more than 2,200 acres across Passaic County, NJ, and Orange County, NY, and shifting winds are blowing smoke into surrounding areas. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service, in collaboration with New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation, is leading efforts to bring the fire under control. As of Wednesday, Nov. 13, the fire spans 2,283 acres in New Jersey and is 30% contained. Two residential structures in New Jersey and eight historic structures in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District are under threat. No evacuations have been ordered at thi…
Westfield HS Mourns Loss Of Senior Athlete Brandon Genlot Killed In Crash Westfield HS Mourns Loss Of Senior Athlete Brandon Genlot Killed In Crash
Westfield HS Mourns Loss Of Senior Athlete Brandon Genlot Killed In Crash Brandon Genlot, a senior at Westfield High School, died in a car crash on Monday, Nov. 11, at the age of 17, according to his obituary from the Higgins and Bonner Funeral Home website and Union County Police. It is with a broken heart that we announce the passing of our son, Brandon A service to honor Brandon’s life will be... Posted by Donna Genlot on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 At 7:30 p.m. officers responded to a vehicle crash at Watchung Reservation on Sky Top Drive in Scotch Plains, Union County police said, and found a vehicle that had struck a tree and caught fire.&nbs…
Canadian Trucker Caught With Meth Hidden In Pineapple Shipment On Route 17: Police Canadian Trucker Caught With Meth Hidden In Pineapple Shipment On Route 17: Police
Canadian Trucker Caught With Meth Hidden In Pineapple Shipment On Route 17: Police A Canadian truck driver was arrested earlier this week after police discovered methamphetamine hidden in his tractor-trailer, officials said. Officer Nicole DiPasquale was on routine patrol around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11,, when she noticed a tractor-trailer struggling to maintain its lane on Route 17 North, Mahwah Police Capt. Guido Bussinelli said. Officer DiPasquale conducted a motor vehicle stop and spoke with the driver, who was later identified as Dominic Perras, 47, of Canada. Perras, who claimed he was transporting pineapples from Wilmington, DE to Montreal, had outdated docume…
Sparta's Tristan Lozada Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer, 8 Sparta's Tristan Lozada Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer, 8
Sparta's Tristan Lozada Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer, 8 Tristan Lozada, an 8-year-old Sparta resident died after battling brain cancer on Monday, Oct. 28, according to his obituary from the Shook Funeral Home website. Tristan had moved to Sparta from Newark and enjoyed dancing, Halloween, and playing Roblox on his iPad, his obituary reads. He is survived by his parents, James and Monica,  his brother James and his grandparents Mercede, Luzmila and Victor, according to his obituary. A fundraiser was set up to assist his family with expenses while he battled the cancer, which was diagnosed in August 2023. As of Wednesday, Nov. 13, almost $38,…
Pro-Palestinian Protest Planned In West Orange Against Israeli Real Estate Event Pro-Palestinian Protest Planned In West Orange Against Israeli Real Estate Event
Pro-Palestinian Protest Planned In West Orange Against Israeli Real Estate Event Protesters are expected to gather in West Orange on Wednesday evening, Nov. 13, demanding an end to the sales of what they describe as “stolen land” in Israeli-occupied areas of Jerusalem.  Organized by groups such as West Orange for Humanity, Teaneck for Palestine, and the NJ Chapter of American Muslims for Palestine, the demonstration will target a real estate event hosted by My Israel Home, a company promoting property sales to U.S.-based Jewish buyers in areas of Jerusalem that lie beyond Israel’s internationally recognized borders. The protest is scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. at…
Bergen County Wife Destroyed Phone To Obstruct Feds In Husband's High-Profile Probe: Officials Bergen County Wife Destroyed Phone To Obstruct Feds In Husband's High-Profile Probe: Officials
Bergen County Wife Destroyed Phone To Obstruct Feds In Husband's High-Profile Probe: Officials Federal authorities have charged the wife of a Bergen County celebrity house flipper with trying to obstruct an investigation into her husband’s alleged multimillion-dollar Ponzi-like real estate scheme. Jennifer Iturralde Pina, 43, of Franklin Lakes, is accused of attempting to stop a witness from cooperating with investigators and destroying one of her phones as federal agents arrived to seize it, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said this week. The alleged obstruction is linked to an ongoing investigation involving her husband, Cesar Humberto Pina, 45, a real estate influencer better kn…
NJ Police Chief Helped Shoplifter While Suspended For Improper Database Use: Prosecutors NJ Police Chief Helped Shoplifter While Suspended For Improper Database Use: Prosecutors
NJ Police Chief Helped Shoplifter While Suspended For Improper Database Use: Prosecutors A New Jersey town's police chief was accused of improperly using law enforcement databases and helping someone shoplift, authorities said. Chief Peter Cooke Jr., 58, the chief in Englishtown, was charged with third-degree computer theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit shoplifting, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Investigators said Chief Cooke used a law enforcement database to look up information about two people without "any legitimate law enforcement purpose." The searches happened multiple times between February 2019…
Powerball Ticket Sold At Bergen County 7-Eleven Wins $50K Powerball Ticket Sold At Bergen County 7-Eleven Wins $50K
Powerball Ticket Sold At Bergen County 7-Eleven Wins $50K It was a sensational Saturday for two Powerball players in North Jersey. Two tickets, sold in Bergen County and Somerset County respectively, matched four numbers and the red Powerball in the drawing held on Saturday, Nov. 9, winning $50,000. The tickets were sold at Stop and Shop in Franklin Park and 7-Eleven in New Milford. The winning numbers were 11, 24, 50, 56, 66 and the red Powerball was 16.
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says A cybersecurity “issue” has led the parent company of a supermarket chain to disconnect some systems to protect them. Ahold Delhaize USA said it recently detected a cybersecurity issue within its US network. "Immediately upon detecting the issue, our security teams began an investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts," the company said. "We also notified law enforcement." The move affects: Stop & Shop, which has around 400 locations in New England, New York, and New Jersey; Hannaford, with stores in eastern upstate New York and New England; Giant Company, with…