Find Your Daily Voice
Hopatcong
Your Local News for Hopatcong, New Jersey
Wednesday, nov 27
49°
Follow
News
Schools
Business
Obituaries
Police & Fire
Weather
Lifestyle
Politics
Sports
Events
Traffic
Real Estate
Tags
Jobs
Shop
Support Us
Hopatcong
Follow
Find Your Daily Voice
News
Schools
Business
Obituaries
Police & Fire
Weather
Lifestyle
Politics
Sports
Events
Traffic
Real Estate
Tags
Jobs
Shop
Support Us
Home
About us
All sites
Advertise with us
Contact us
Terms of use
Privacy policy
Code of ethics
Site Map
© 2024 Cantata Media
49°
Wednesday, nov 27
Tag:
Jersey City, NJ
Obituaries
'Glue That Kept Friend Group Together,' Jersey City Dad Justin Chang Dies Suddenly, 42
A Jersey City family is grieving the loss of their patriarch, Justin M. Chang, who died unexpectedly in his sleep on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched for his loved ones. He was 42 years old. Born in Vancouver, Canada, Justin is survived by his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Joshie (3) and Kylie (1). Known for his unwavering faith and generosity, Justin touched the lives of many, always putting others first. Despite his recent battle with cancer, he faced every challenge with optimism and strength, reads the GoFundMe, launched by a group of lo…
News
Dozen NJ Towns Serve As Backdrop For Movie 'Sweethearts' Out Thanksgiving Day
Nearly a dozen New Jersey towns serve as the backdrop for the Max Original film "Sweethearts," set to debut this Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. The romantic comedy starring Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga was filmed in Cranford, Jersey City, and Mahwah. Two cast members have Garden State ties: Jake Bonjiovi, son of NJ rocker Jon Bon Jovi, and former "Saturday Night Live" star Chloe Troast, of Ho-Ho-Kus, are featured actors in "Sweethearts." According to NJ Advance Media, "Sweethearts" filmed at local homes in Newark, Demarest, Kinnelon and Cranford; as well as at the Cr…
News
Casting
CALL: Rom-Com Drama Filming In NJ Seeks Local Talent, Pays $1.1K
Are you an aspiring actor looking to break into the film industry? A new romantic comedy-drama feature film, Soma Ulte, is casting talent from New Jersey, New York City, and the surrounding area, with roles paying up to $1,100. Directed by Byron Ruf and written by Jacob Nagle, "Soma Ulte" tells the story of Aidan Axelrod, a 19-year-old aspiring screenwriter who is openly gay and privately on the autism spectrum. Aidan navigates his feelings for his bisexual best friend, Blake, while managing the complexities of social interactions. The production is looking to fill multiple lead and support…
Business
'Was This Leaked?' Popular NJ Deli Reacts To Rumored New Location
Jersey City is about to get a taste of Millburn Deli. The local legend had its plans leaked — here’s what they said next. Millburn Deli, the beloved sandwich institution known for its iconic Sloppy Joes, has officially confirmed it will be opening a location in Jersey City — but not without a twist. In a cheeky Facebook post, the deli responded to leaked details of its expansion plans with humor and surprise on Thursday, Nov. 21: "Guess this is our official announcement… Jersey City coming 2025," the post read, referencing how the news had surfaced ahead of their intended reveal. The leak…
Police & Fire
Raid Uncovers Illegal Breeding Operation: 7 Dogs, 5 Exotic Reptiles In Jersey City
Seven dogs and five reptiles were rescued from an illegal breeding facility uncovered during a multi-agency investigation in Jersey City, authorities said. The Jersey City Municipal Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Department, Zoning officials, and Jersey City Police, executed an administrative warrant that led to the discovery of an illegal dog breeding operation, according to spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione. Among the animals rescued were seven mixed-breed pitbulls and five exotic reptiles, including a large Columbian boa constrictor, a Savann…
News
'Lawyer Up:' Lawsuit Filed By Jersey City Employee Fired For Supporting Anti
-lgbtq
Sister
Jonathan Gomez Noriega, who was fired earlier this year by Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop for supporting his sister's political campaign filled with anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, said the mayor axed him to further his political career. Gomez Noriega filed a lawsuit in United States District Court against Fulop and other city employees over what he claims was his wrongful termination. Gomez-Noriega's was forced to resign from the city's LGBTQ+ task force after it was revealed he made four donations to his sister, Valentina Gomez, who was running for the Republican nomination for Missouri Secretary of …
Politics
Mikie Sherrill Announces Run For Governor
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-NJ, is the latest name to announce she is running for Governor of New Jersey. Sherrill, who was recently re-elected to a fourth term representing New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, declared her candidacy in a video on Monday, Nov. 18. Gov. Phil Murphy is not eligible to run for re-election in 2025 due to term limits. The video, "Build Something," touts her background as a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and serving as a helicopter pilot in the Navy. "In a crisis the worst thing you can do is freeze," Sherrill said. "You have to choose to lead,…
Politics
Rep. Josh Gottheimer Launches Bid For NJ Governor From Popular Bergen County Diner
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-NJ, is officially running for governor. The 49-year-old dad and former speechwriter, who was re-elected to his seat in North Jersey's 5th congressional district in the House of Representatives earlier this month, launched his campaign Friday morning, Nov. 15, from the Runway Diner in South Hackensack. Gov. Phil Murphy is not eligible to run for re-election in 2025 due to term limits. Gottheimer vows to tackle affordability and fight for the values he says define the Garden State, pledging to lower taxes, reduce costs, and help families get ahead. Gottheim…
Police & Fire
Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City
The Hudson County's Regional Arson Task Force is investigating the four-alarm fire that broke out late Friday, Nov. 8 in Jersey City, displacing nine families and affecting a total of 26 residents, authorities said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HudPost (@hudpost) The fire, which started shortly before 11 p.m., occurred at 3507 Kennedy Boulevard near South Street and initially generated heavy smoke and flames from a ground-level business, quickly spreading to adjacent residential units. Two firefighters sustained minor inj…
Business
Restaurant Visionary Brings Luxe Dining Experience With NYC Skyline Views To North Jersey
Renowned restaurateur Jeremy Casilli is bringing his latest venture, DRIFT Restaurant & Bar, to Weehawken’s thriving Lincoln Harbor district. Promising an immersive dining experience that combines culinary artistry with captivating views of the Manhattan skyline, DRIFT is taking reservations and is set to open on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Casilli, a leading figure in the restaurant industry and mastermind behind popular hotspots like Hudson & Co. in Jersey City and Pier 115 in Edgewater, designed DRIFT to create a unique, unforgettable experience for guests. The 17,000-square…
Business
50 Best Places To Eat In North Jersey In 2024: Yelp Elite's Top Recommendations
Yelp Elites have released its list of best places to eat in North Jersey for 2024. The user review site used several factors to rank area restaurants, including total volume and ratings by Yelp Elite Squad members from August 2023 to August 2024. Topping off the list at No. 1 is Tops Diner in East Newark, which has 4.4/5 stars and more than 4,700 reviews. No. 2 is Razza Pizza in Jersey City and No. 3 is Kurly Kurtosh, a Hungarian eatery in Nutley known for its chimney-like desserts. Click here for the full list of Top Places to Eat in North Jersey according to Yelp Elites.
News
Three Tickets Sold In North Jersey Split Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot
It was a happy Halloween for three lottery players in North Jersey. Three tickets, sold in Bergen County, Newark and Jersey City, matched all five numbers drawn splitting the $166,806 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot from the drawing on Thursday, Oct. 31, with each ticket worth $55,602. The tickets were sold at Acme in Allendale, Welsh Farms in Newark and Green Deli in Jersey City. The winning numbers were: 05, 17, 28, 30 and 31 and the XTRA number was: 02. The Bullseye number was 31. ·
Business
Big Lots To Shut These New Jersey Stores: Closing Sales Under Way
Big Lots! has announced the closures of even more locations since filing for bankruptcy in September. The company announced on Monday, Sept. 9 that it will sell its assets to an affiliate of private equity firm Nexus Capital Management. Additional closures were approved this month in bankruptcy court. New Jersey has 27 stores, and 13 of them are set to close with closing sales underway. They are: Cherry Hill, 949 Church Road Dover, 550 Mount Pleasant Avenue East Brunswick, 275 Route 18 Freehold, 220 Trotters Way Glassboro, 811 N Delsea Drive Jersey Ci…
Obituaries
Gabriela Ayala-Cortes, Essex County Mom, Dies At 45
Gabriela Ayala-Cortes, a mom and Verona resident, died on Thursday, Oct. 10 at the age of 45 of cancer, according to her obituary on the Shooks Cedar Grove Funeral Home. Born in Ecuador, Ayala-Cortes emigrated to the United States in 2003, her obituary reads. She worked as the director of regulatory affairs operations for Organon and Company in Jersey City, according to her obituary. She is survived her husband, Carlos, her children, Camila and Isabella, her parents Rodrigo and Marcia, and numerous other family members and friends, her obituary reads. A fundraiser has been created to suppo…
Police & Fire
Hudson County Officer In Deadly Secaucus Crash Won't Be Indicted: AG (
Video
)
A state grand jury declined to file criminal charges in the death of motorcyclist who was fleeing police in Secaucus in August 2023, authorities said. On Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, Hudson County Sheriff Officer Andrew Conti attempted to stop a motorcycle, operated by Reymis Geronimo-Segura, a 28-year-old North Bergen resident, for motor vehicle violations, State Attorney General Matthew Platkin said (click here for bodyworn camera footage of the incident). Conti observed the motorcycle in the area of Paul Amico Way and Seaview Drive, Platkin said. Conti followed the motorcycle on Count…
News
Panera 'Charged Lemonade' Linked To Death Of UPenn Student From Jersey City Suit Settled
More than two years after a UPenn student from New Jersey died, her family has settled their wrongful death suit against Panera. Sarah Katz, of Jersey City, died at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center on Sept. 10, 2022, according to her obituary. The 21-year-old's death came shortly after she drank "Charged Lemonade" at the Panera located at 200 South 40th Street, in Philadelphia, according to the lawsuit filed on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, by Kline & Specter, P.C. on behalf of Jill and Michael Katz. The lawsuit settled out of court and the case was dismissed on Monday, Oct. 7, acc…
Lifestyle
Don't Miss These Spicy NJ Chefs Competing On 'Hell's Kitchen' With Gordon Ramsay
Two New Jersey chefs, including one who works in Philadelphia, are on a brand-new season of "Hell's Kitchen" with Gordon Ramsay. Joe Tartamella, 35, the executive chef at Felina Restaurants in Ridgewood, Jersey City, and Summit, and Kyle Timpson, 30, of Dennis Township (Cape May County) are among the 18 contestants on a brand-new season of the hit FOX cooking competition. Season 23, titled"Head Chefs Only," debuted on Thursday, Sept. 26. Contestants are divided into two teams, the Red Team, which is all women, and the Blue Team, which is all men. The Blue Team happens …
Schools
These NJ Public High Schools Were Named Among Best In America
Niche has released its list of the best public high schools in America for 2025. Several schools in New Jersey made the top 50, all of which earned an A+ from Niche. They are: No. 20: Bergen Academies, Hackensack No. 21: The Academy for Math, Science, and Engineering, Rockaway No. 37: Union County Magnet High School, Scotch Plains No. 43: High Technology High School, Lincroft No. 49: Marine Academy of Technology, Middletown Niche also ranks New Jersey's top public high schools. The top 25 best are: 25. Chatham High School 24. High Tech HS (Hudson County) 23. Middlesex County Academy for…
Business
Best Taco Spots In North Jersey To Celebrate National Taco Day
The first Taco Tuesday of October is an extra special one: Tuesday, Oct. 1 is National Taco Day. If you're looking to partake in celebrations for the easily customizable, handheld Mexican meal, you've got plenty of options. Daily Voice has compiled a list of the best taco spots in North Jersey, with much help from our Instagram followers, and some influence from user-review websites such as Google and Yelp. princetaqueria Here's what we came up with: Central Taqueria, South Street in Morristown: An investment banker from Mexico City left his job to pursue his dream of opening…
Police & Fire
Delivery Driver Busted With Firearm In North Jersey Town, Police Say
A 24-year-old Brooklyn woman was arrested and charged in Westfield while delivering food for unlawfully possessing a firearm on Sunday, Sept. 15, authorities said. A license plate recognition camera picked up a 2008 black BMW 328i bearing a New York registration entering Westfield, Westfield police said in a release. The vehicle was involved in a shooting that occurred in Jersey City a day before and was believed to be armed, police said. The driver, Rianna Williams, was taken into custody at Carol Road and Lynn Lane and an investigation ensued, police said. She was working as a driver for …
News
2,600 Layoffs Expected At NJ Hospital Chain
Nearly 2,600 people employed by a North Jersey hospital chain are expected to be laid off by the end of the year, according to a newly-filed WARN notice. This month, Carepoint Health filed notices with New Jersey's labor department indicating layoffs would begin on Dec. 12 at healthcare centers in Bayonne, Jersey City, and Hoboken. The 2024 WARN Notice says that 859 employees will be laid off at IJK Opco LLC (CarePoint Health) in Bayonne; 843 employees will be laid off at Hudson Hospital Opco LLC (CarePoint Health) in Jersey City; and that 900 employees will be laid off at&nb…
Police & Fire
Sex Workers Robbed, Sexually Assaulted By Trio At Gunpoint In Jersey City: Prosecutor
Three men were arrested and charged on Friday, Sept. 20 with robbing and sexually assaulting two sex workers in Jersey City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, authorities said. The two women agreed to meet three men, Mohamed Mohamed, 24, Abdalla Abdelsalam Elsayed, 20, and Mahmoud Hegazi, 18, all Jersey City residents, at an apartment on Bergen Avenue in exchange for sex for money, according to a criminal complaint. After having sex with the men, one of the men pulled out a handgun, held it to one of the women and demanded money. The gun was held as she spoke on a phone call, forcing her to …
Police & Fire
NJ Luxury Car Trafficking Ring Dismantled, Four Arrests Made, Prosecutor Says
Four teenagers were arrested on Thursday, Sept. 12 and charged for their participation in an auto theft trafficking network in North Jersey, authorities said. Two juveniles, a 16-year-old Newark resident and a 17-year-old Jersey City resident would use stolen Kias, Hondas and Hyundais to look for high-end luxury vehicles like BMWs and Mercedes, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said. After identifying target vehicles, they would go to target homes and search for keys/key fobs, Daniel said. Once they got the vehicles, they would contact Tikeem Shearin, 18, and Carlos Espi…
Police & Fire
Contractor Behind Leaky, Moldy Jersey City Buildings Busted For Phony Insurance: Prosecutor
A 37-year-old North Jersey resident was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 12 and charged with theft and forgery on accusations he submitted a fake insurance certificate, authorities said. Prince Narang's company, Artisan Design and Construction, was hired to perform contract work on a residential building in Jersey City, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Narang, of Glen Ridge, submitted a bogus insurance certificate to the property owner and bank to obtain a construction contract, Suarez said. The owner tried to file an insurance claim for property damag…
Police & Fire
Fugitive Sought In Jersey City Mom's Murder Arrested In Colombia: Prosecutor
A 28-year-old Jersey City man was extradited from Colombia to the United States on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and charged with murdering a woman in Kearny in 2023, authorities said. Leiner Miranda Lopez had previously been charged with killing Luz Hernandez, a 33-year-old Jersey City mom in February 2023, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Hernandez's body was discovered in a shallow grave in the area of Central Avenue and Third Street in Kearny, Suarez said. The Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined her death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and compressions to the …
News
Prominent NJ Doctor Catfished Numerous Women For 10 Years, Victim Alleges
Her name was Ethan Schuman. At least, that's what Anna Akbari says Emily Slutsky called herself when she messaged her on OKCupid in 2011. Akbari, who holds a PhD, details how Slutsky catfished her and multiple other women in her new book, "There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Caught America's Biggest Catfish." When Akbari met "Ethan" on OKCupid, she found him to be brilliant and charming, and they exchanged messages, developing a deep connection, she tells Daily Voice. But Akbari realized something was up when Ethan kept canceling plans to chat on the phone or via webcam. His exc…
Police & Fire
Competing Theft Crews Call 911, Everyone Ends Up Arrested In Wayne: Police
Five would-be package thieves from separate crews were arrested in Wayne after plans to beat out their competition last week in Wayne went awry, authorities said. Police received a 9-1-1 call reporting a burglary in progress at a hoem on Ratzer Road around 3:50 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, Wayne Police Capt. Dan Daly said. The caller said that two men were in his garage and one was in his backyard. He then said that the men fled and were in a black sedan on Kievit Road. The caller also told police that the suspect vehicle was a Honda. While responding officers found two black sedans on Kiev…
Police & Fire
Man Leads 54-Mile Pursuit Across NJ In Stolen Box Truck Containing Heroin: Police
A 54-mile pursuit through North Jersey in a stolen box truck ended when the vehicle ran out of gas and police found the driver with heroin Labor Day Weekend, authorities said. Lyndhurst officers spotted Jose R. Reyes in a stolen 2022 Isuzuz box truck around 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, Lyndhurst Police Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. Officer Robert Litterio was the one who spotted the stolen truck at Riverside and Rutherford Avenues. Joined by Officer Vincent Dorio, the duo approached the truck and tried several times to convince Reyes to exit the vehicle. That's when Reyes, 41…
Lifestyle
Jersey City 9-Year-Old Cut From 'America's Got Talent' After Wowing Judges
A 9-year-old boy from Jersey City stole the hearts of "America's Got Talent" judges from the jump. Journeyy Belton performed his original song "Paradise" on the NBC competition weeks ago. It wasn't long before he had the judges rooting for him. Journeyy performed "Three Little Birds" on the piano and sang along on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Simon Cowell said he was a "sweet kid with such potential," urging audiences to vote for him. Sofia Vergara also had encouraging words, saying Journeyy was the "best thing tonight." She also called his performance "flawless." But Journeyy's journey on AG…
Business
Disney Drops Arbitration Fight In Wrongful Death Lawsuit Involving NY Doctor After Backlash
Following a wave of backlash, Disney is dropping its argument that the husband of a late New York doctor and Jersey City, New Jersey resident can’t sue over her allergy death because he signed up for Disney+. A hearing to discuss Disney’s motion to compel arbitration and stay the wrongful death lawsuit brought by the estate of Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan has been canceled, court records show. Earlier Report: Disney Says Husband Of Late LI Doctor Can’t Sue Over Allergy Death Because Of Disney+ Account The company issued the following statement to Daily Voice: “At Disney, we strive to put…
Obituaries
Kevin Waite, Jersey City Musician, Father Of Two, Dies At 46
Kevin Waite, a Jersey City musician who worked in mental health, died recently at the age of 46, according to a fundraiser set up to support his family. Waite is survived by his wife Nicole and his two children, Dylan and Ruby. As of Friday, Aug. 16, the fundraiser has raised more than $65,800. It’s hard to find a group that’s been together for 40 years. Through the good times and the bad we’ve been through it... Posted by Brian Skib on Monday, August 12, 2024 "Kevin's warmth, generosity, and boundless spirit touched everyone he met," wrote Melanie Kirsch, who organized the fundrai…
Next Page
Archive
49°
