Valentine's Day Spending To Hit Record High—And Not Just On Romantic Partners: Survey Valentine's Day Spending To Hit Record High—And Not Just On Romantic Partners: Survey
Valentine's Day Spending To Hit Record High—And Not Just On Romantic Partners: Survey Gift buying and date expenses for Valentine’s Day may reach new heights as Americans plan to spend more than ever on loved ones, a new survey said. US consumers will spend an estimated $27.5 billion in 2025, according to a survey from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. That would surpass the previous record of $27.4 billion in 2020 and 2024's total of $25.8 billion. Valentine's Day shoppers will spend an average of $188.81, slightly up from $185.81 in 2024. More than 56 percent plan to celebrate the holiday, an increase from 53 percent in 2024. M…
Two NJ Doctors Accused Of Sexual Misconduct Have Licenses Revoked Two NJ Doctors Accused Of Sexual Misconduct Have Licenses Revoked
Two NJ Doctors Accused Of Sexual Misconduct Have Licenses Revoked Two North Jersey doctors recently had their licenses revoked over allegations of sexual misconduct, authorities said. Humberto Perez, who practiced family medicine in Jersey City, and Ahmad “Nazir” Kahf, a cardiologist who practiced in Haledon, agreed to the permanent revocation of their medical licenses in order to resolve administrative allegations of sexual and professional misconduct tied to the charges against them, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. In November 2024, Perez was charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of  criminal sexual contact for …
NJ Home Invaders Tied Up, Held Victim At Gunpoint: Authorities NJ Home Invaders Tied Up, Held Victim At Gunpoint: Authorities
NJ Home Invaders Tied Up, Held Victim At Gunpoint: Authorities Three North Brunswick men were recently arrested and charged after they tied up a man and held him at gunpoint on Tuesday, Jan. 28 in West Caldwell, authorities said. 32-year-old Joel Llanes, 30-year-old Israel Ruiz and 25-year-old Louis Ramirez were charged with robbery, home invasion and kidnapping, in a case that involved Homeland Security, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. At 4:36 a.m., officers responded to Lougheed Avenue on a report of a home invasion, West Caldwell police said. The resident of the home was awakened by the sound of forced entry through a rear sliding glass …
NJ Surgeon Dies After Medical Episode On Garden State Parkway: NJSP NJ Surgeon Dies After Medical Episode On Garden State Parkway: NJSP
NJ Surgeon Dies After Medical Episode On Garden State Parkway: Njsp A 54-year-old Toms River surgeon died following a medical episode while driving on the Garden State Parkway in Ocean County on Thursday, Jan. 30, authorities said. At 7:10 a.m., Dr. Jarrod Kaufman was driving a Tesla Model Y northbound on the Garden State Parkway in Lakewood Township, when his vehicle veered off the roadway into a briar patch, Chares Marchan, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said.  Kaufman sustained a medical episode and was pronounced dead at the scene, Marchan said. Born in 1970, Kaufman was a graduate of Lehigh University before earning his medical degre…
US, Mexico Reach Deal To Delay 25% Tariffs US, Mexico Reach Deal To Delay 25% Tariffs
US, Mexico Reach Deal To Delay 25% Tariffs Mexico and the US have reached an agreement to delay steep tariffs that were set to take effect on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the deal Monday morning, Feb 3. It will pause the 25 percent levies for a month, and follows negotiations between Mexican officials and the Trump administration on border security and drug trafficking.  Mexico committed to deploy 10,000 troops dedicated to stopping illegal drugs and migrants from crossing the border into the US. In return, the US has pledged to help curb the flow of high-powered weapons into Mexico, Sheinbau…
Fire Ravages NJ Motor Home (VIDEO) Fire Ravages NJ Motor Home (VIDEO)
Fire Ravages NJ Motor Home (Video) A motor home in Fairfield was fully engulfed in flames on the evening of Sunday, Feb. 2, authorities said. 🔹Motor Home Catches Fire on Camp Lane, No Injuries Reported🔹 🔹Fairfield (NJ) – On February 2, 2025, at approximately... Posted by Fairfield Police Department - Essex County, New Jersey on Sunday, February 2, 2025 At 8:48 p.m., Fairfield officers and Fairfield firefighters responded to Camp Lane for the fire, Fairfield police said. All occupants were safely out of the home, police said. The Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, along with the Wayne Fire Department quickly exti…
Black Box Recovered From Philadelphia Learjet Crash (VIDEO) Black Box Recovered From Philadelphia Learjet Crash (VIDEO)
Black Box Recovered From Philadelphia Learjet Crash (Video) The black box from the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia has been located, providing investigators with a key piece of evidence to determine the cause of the deadly crash, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced Sunday evening, Feb. 2. Black Box, Flight Data Components Recovered The cockpit voice recorder (CVR), commonly referred to as a black box, was found buried eight feet underground at the crash site, officials said. Investigators also recovered the plane’s enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS), which may contain flight data cru…
Lifelong Paramus Resident Doug Williamson, Pillar Of Community, Dies Suddenly Lifelong Paramus Resident Doug Williamson, Pillar Of Community, Dies Suddenly
Lifelong Paramus Resident Doug Williamson, Pillar Of Community, Dies Suddenly Paramus is grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Doug Williamson, a lifelong resident, nurse, and paramedic. He died Sunday, Feb. 2 at 61 years old. Doug devoted his life to helping others, serving as the director of emergency services for Valley Health System and spending nearly 15 years with McCabe Ambulance Service, where his compassion and dedication touched countless lives. Doug is being remembered by colleagues as a pillar of strength and an inspiration to those around him. "Doug was not just a top-tier provider—he was an extraordinary human being," McCabe Ambulance …
Gerber Recalls, Discontinues Teething Sticks Sold In NJ After Child Sent To ER Gerber Recalls, Discontinues Teething Sticks Sold In NJ After Child Sent To ER
Gerber Recalls, Discontinues Teething Sticks Sold In NJ After Child Sent To ER Gerber is recalling and discontinuing all batches of its teething stick due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children, authorities said. Gerber and the Food and Drug Administration announced the recall for Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks in news releases on Friday, Jan. 31. The recall follows consumer complaints, including one involving a child brought to an emergency room. The affected products were distributed nationwide and in stores across several states, including Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The …
Man In Makeshift Shelter Found Dead In Jersey City Fire: Prosecutor Man In Makeshift Shelter Found Dead In Jersey City Fire: Prosecutor
Man In Makeshift Shelter Found Dead In Jersey City Fire: Prosecutor A man was killed in a fire in Jersey City on Friday, Jan. 31, authorities said. At 6 p.m., the Jersey City Fire Department responded to a fire at the 1000 block of Newark Avenue, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. After quickly extinguishing the fire,  firefighters found an unidentified male in a fire damaged makeshift shelter and he was pronounced dead at the scene, Suarez said. The cause and manner of death are pending, Suarez said. The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force is investigating the origin and cause of the fire, Suarez said.
Wrong-Way DUI Driver Kills PA Man On Route 80: Police, Court Records Wrong-Way DUI Driver Kills PA Man On Route 80: Police, Court Records
Wrong-Way DUI Driver Kills PA Man On Route 80: Police, Court Records A 31-year-old Pennsylvania man was killed by a wrong-way intoxicated driver on Route 80 early Sunday, Feb. 2, authorities said. Victor Peters, 45, of Parsippany was heading east in the westbound lanes of Route 80 in a Mercedes SUV in Rockaway Township when he struck a Ford pickup truck driven by Destinn McKnight around 2:20 a.m., according to New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan. McKnight died while Peters was seriously injured, Marchan said.  Records show Peters has been charged with a slew of motor vehicle offenses including DUI, reckless driving, careless driving, wrong way…
Massive New Storm Will Bring Dangerous Amounts Of Ice, Treacherous Travel To Much Of Northeast Massive New Storm Will Bring Dangerous Amounts Of Ice, Treacherous Travel To Much Of Northeast
Massive New Storm Will Bring Dangerous Amounts Of Ice, Treacherous Travel To Much Of Northeast A sprawling new storm will bring a mix of snow, ice, and rain, causing slippery travel and potentially leading to power outages. The system will arrive overnight Wednesday, Feb. 5 with a widespread wintry mix in most of the Northeast and continue into Thursday, Feb. 6, with precipitation turning to rain in most locations later in the morning, according to the National Weather Service. "The potential exists for dangerous amounts of ice accretion into Thursday," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. "This poses a risk for tree damage and power outages as the storm moves…
Mass Deportations Could Lead To Salary Increases In These States, Including NJ Mass Deportations Could Lead To Salary Increases In These States, Including NJ
Mass Deportations Could Lead To Salary Increases In These States, Including NJ Mass deportations could significantly impact wages in states heavily reliant on foreign labor, according to new research.  An Oxford study suggests that removing a substantial number of immigrant workers may lead to labor shortages, compelling employers to increase salaries to attract native-born workers, Newsweek reports. The states most likely to be affected are New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, and Texas, the report said, because those states have large immigrant populations and economies that depend on foreign labor in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and hospita…
Long-Held Aspirin Guidelines Shift: Here's What To Know Long-Held Aspirin Guidelines Shift: Here's What To Know
Long-Held Aspirin Guidelines Shift: Here's What To Know For decades, taking a daily low-dose aspirin was a widely accepted practice for preventing heart attacks and strokes.  But a series of clinical trials have led to a major shift in medical guidance — one that could change how millions of Americans approach heart health. The findings prompted the American Heart Association (AHA) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to update their recommendations, advising most older adults against taking daily aspirin as a preventive measure. Aspirin works by thinning the blood, reducing the risk of clots that can lead to heart…
Ex-MLB Commish Fay Vincent Dies: 'He Lived A Home Run Of A Life' Ex-MLB Commish Fay Vincent Dies: 'He Lived A Home Run Of A Life'
Ex-mlb Commish Fay Vincent Dies: 'He Lived A Home Run Of A Life' Former Major League Baseball Commissioner and Connecticut native Fay Vincent died Saturday, Feb. 1, at his home in Florida. He was 86. Vincent, who was born in Waterbury and spent most of his life after baseball in New Canaan, had undergone treatment for bladder cancer. Complications from radiation therapy caused him to stop chemotherapy, his wife told CBS News. Vincent took the reins of Major League Baseball in 1989 following the sudden death of A. Bartlett Giamatti. He guided the league through 1992, when he resigned following a no-confidence vote from the owners, according to MLB.com. T…
Amy Schumer Pulls Off Ultimate Halftime Surprise With Knicks City Dancers Amy Schumer Pulls Off Ultimate Halftime Surprise With Knicks City Dancers
Amy Schumer Pulls Off Ultimate Halftime Surprise With Knicks City Dancers Amy Schumer brought the laughs—and the moves—to Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Feb. 1, when she jumped in with the Knicks City Dancers for a surprise halftime performance. The comedian, 43, recreated the legendary dance scene from her 2015 rom-com "Trainwreck," starring Bill Hader, much to the delight of the crowd during the game against the Los Angelos Lakers. In a video posted to Instagram, Schumer looks mock-shocked as Billy Joel’s "Uptown Girl" starts playing. Moments later, two dancers pull her onto the court, where she enthusiastically busts out high kicks, hip swivels, and all th…
Details Released In Snowmobile Crash That Killed Ridgefield Park Officer Steven Fernandez Details Released In Snowmobile Crash That Killed Ridgefield Park Officer Steven Fernandez
Details Released In Snowmobile Crash That Killed Ridgefield Park Officer Steven Fernandez The Ridgefield Park Police Department is mourning the loss of Steven Fernandez, a very well-liked officer who was killed in a snowmobiling accident over the weekend. Fernandez, 39, of Saddle Brook, was heading west on snowmobiling trails in Harriestown, NY, when he lost control, left the trail, and traveled down a steep embankment, and struck multiple trees around 2:05 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, New York State Police said. When troopers arrived on the scene, Saranac Lake Fire and Rescue were rendering aid to Fernandez, who was airlifted to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he late…
Mom, Daughter Killed In Philadelphia Learjet Crash While Returning Home From Medical Treatment Mom, Daughter Killed In Philadelphia Learjet Crash While Returning Home From Medical Treatment
Mom, Daughter Killed In Philadelphia Learjet Crash While Returning Home From Medical Treatment The pediatric patient and mother aboard the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance that crashed and exploded in Northeast Philadelphia have been identified as Valentina Guzman Murillo, 12, and her mother, Lizeth Murillo Osuna, 31, of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, officials confirmed. Valentina had been in Philadelphia since August 2024, receiving treatment for myelomeningocele, a severe spinal cord malformation, at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, family friends told Reforma. She had been discharged on Jan. 31 and was returning home with her mother when their Learjet 55 (XA-UCI) crashed just 30 seco…
Canadian Hockey Fans Boo US National Anthem After Tariffs Take Effect Canadian Hockey Fans Boo US National Anthem After Tariffs Take Effect
Canadian Hockey Fans Boo US National Anthem After Tariffs Take Effect In a striking display of discontent, Canadian hockey fans booed the US national anthem during NHL games, expressing their displeasure hours after President Donald Trump's newly imposed tariffs on Canadian goods went into effect on Saturday, Feb. 1.  This reaction underscores the growing tension between the two neighboring countries. At the Ottawa Senators game against the visiting Minnesota Wild, fans jeered during "The Star-Spangled Banner," signaling their frustration with the US administration's trade policies.  Similarly, in Calgary, spectators at a Flames game against the De…
Brothers Flip The Script On Halal Food: Fast-Growing All-American NY Spot Lands In NJ Brothers Flip The Script On Halal Food: Fast-Growing All-American NY Spot Lands In NJ
Brothers Flip The Script On Halal Food: Fast-Growing All-American NY Spot Lands In NJ Four brothers. One dream. And a whole lot of wings. That’s the recipe behind House of Wings, the newest halal hotspot that opened this weekend in Elmwood Park. But this isn’t your typical shawarma-and-kebab joint.  Instead, expect juicy burgers, messy wings, and loaded waffle bowls dripping with toppings. For 40-year-old Taha Alasssri and his younger brothers, bringing all-American halal food to the mainstream was a no-brainer. The idea was born out of necessity after their father passed away, leaving them with major financial responsibilities. Taha, Talal, Tarik and Jalal Ala…
$12.5M Bayfront Beauty: NJ Beach Estate Has 5-Stop Elevator, Rooftop Deck $12.5M Bayfront Beauty: NJ Beach Estate Has 5-Stop Elevator, Rooftop Deck
$12.5M Bayfront Beauty: NJ Beach Estate Has 5-Stop Elevator, Rooftop Deck If paradise were an address, it would be 11605 Paradise Drive. Listed at a jaw-dropping $12.495 million, this Stone Harbor estate is a boater’s dream, a beach lover’s haven, and an entertainer’s playground. Located on Paradise Bay, this 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom masterpiece blends modern luxury with seaside charm, offering 2,000 square feet of deck space to take in the sweeping bayfront sunsets. The first floor is all about comfort and fun. Five custom ensuite bedrooms—including a bunk room—offer space for the whole crew. The family room comes fully stocked with a wet bar, wine fridge, and ice …
Winter Or Spring? Punxsutawney Phil Has Spoken (VIDEO) Winter Or Spring? Punxsutawney Phil Has Spoken (VIDEO)
Winter Or Spring? Punxsutawney Phil Has Spoken (Video) The moment has arrived — Punxsutawney Phil has made his annual prediction, and the results are in. As thousands gathered at Gobbler’s Knob in the early morning cold on Sunday, Feb. 2, Phil emerged from his burrow for the 139th Groundhog Day ceremony. With the world watching, the top-hatted Inner Circle carefully observed Phil’s behavior before announcing the forecast: VISIT PA ☃️ Six more weeks of winter! Phil spotted his shadow, signaling that winter isn’t over just yet. The crowd groaned, while snow lovers cheered, embracing the extra weeks of chilly weather. How Reliable Is …
Asteroid Discovered Close To Earth: Here's What To Know Asteroid Discovered Close To Earth: Here's What To Know
Asteroid Discovered Close To Earth: Here's What To Know NASA has identified a newly discovered near-Earth asteroid which has sparked interest due to its potential for impact.  According to NASA’s analysis, the asteroid, called 2024 YR4, has a more than one percent chance of colliding with Earth on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2032 —meaning there is still about a 99% chance that it will not. The asteroid, which is estimated to be between 130 and 300 feet wide, was first detected on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) station in Chile.  Shortly after its discovery, it was added to …
Nationwide Recall Issued For Popular Brand Of Bread Crumbs Nationwide Recall Issued For Popular Brand Of Bread Crumbs
Nationwide Recall Issued For Popular Brand Of Bread Crumbs A popular brand of bread crumbs has been recalled. What You Need To Know La Fiesta Food Products, LLC is recalling 8-ounce packages of La Fiesta brand bread crumbs, sold nationwide between Thursday, April 10, 2024, and Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. The recall stems from the presence of undeclared sesame, a major allergen that can cause serious or life-threatening reactions in some individuals.  It was discovered during routine checks, revealing sesame in the product despite it not being listed on the label. Additionally, the allergen declaration was missing in Spanish. Affected Products…
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Feb. 1 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $89M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Saturday, Feb. 1 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $89M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Feb. 1 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $89M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Feb. 1 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $89 million with a $40.3 million cash option after being recently reset. If no Lottery player claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 23-29-32-49-61 with a Powerball of 08 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials…
Pilots, Doctor Identified In Philadelphia Learjet Crash As Audio Reveals Final Moments Pilots, Doctor Identified In Philadelphia Learjet Crash As Audio Reveals Final Moments
Pilots, Doctor Identified In Philadelphia Learjet Crash As Audio Reveals Final Moments The pilots of a Learjet 55 that crashed and exploded in Northeast Philadelphia have been identified, and newly released air traffic control audio reveals their final moments before impact. The jet, owned by Mexican company Jet Rescue, went down just after 6:06 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before it crashed near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard in a fiery explosion. Pilots And Crew Identified The …
Trump Tariffs Take Effect: Expect To Pay More For These Items, Experts Say Trump Tariffs Take Effect: Expect To Pay More For These Items, Experts Say
Trump Tariffs Take Effect: Expect To Pay More For These Items, Experts Say US tariffs on goods from its three largest trading partners -- neighboring nations Canada and Mexico as well as China -- have gone into effect after President Trump signed an order late Saturday afternoon, Feb. 1. Canada and Mexico have been slapped with 25 percent tariffs. The rate for China, America's main economic rival, is 10 percent. Canada also has an adjusted 10 percent rate for energy products, include crude oil. Mexico and Canada account for about 70 percent of US crude oil imports. Now, many economists are warning that American consumers will be paying more for a host of staple i…
Elon Musk Lieutenants Given Access To US Treasury Department’s Payments System: Report Elon Musk Lieutenants Given Access To US Treasury Department’s Payments System: Report
Elon Musk Lieutenants Given Access To US Treasury Department’s Payments System: Report Representatives from a team led by billionaire businessman and political activist Elon Musk have been granted access to the US Treasury Department’s payments system, a move that could significantly impact federal spending oversight, according to a new report. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent authorized the change late Friday, Jan. 31, giving Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team access to the federal payment system, which manages disbursements for the entire US government, The New York Times says.  The decision follows a standoff with David Lebryk, a longtime Treasury …
Mayor Has Special Message For Killer Who Shot 9-Year-Old Boy In Newark Mayor Has Special Message For Killer Who Shot 9-Year-Old Boy In Newark
Mayor Has Special Message For Killer Who Shot 9-Year-Old Boy In Newark Authorities are searching for the person responsible for the fatal shooting of a 9-year-old boy outside his home in Newark on Friday, Jan. 31. The boy was exiting a vehicle with his father and sister at approximately 5:27 p.m. when he was shot on Osborne Terrace, a spokesperson for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said.  A 36-year-old man, who does not appear to be related to the child, was also shot during the incident. Details of his injuries were not immediately available. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka expressed outrage over the tragedy, calling it “incomprehensible” and…
'Compulsive' Sex Offender, Inmate Escapes During Transport To Hospital In Newark: State Police 'Compulsive' Sex Offender, Inmate Escapes During Transport To Hospital In Newark: State Police
'Compulsive' Sex Offender, Inmate Escapes During Transport To Hospital In Newark: State Police The New Jersey State Police are asking for the public’s help in locating registered sex offender Nicholas Voutsas, who authorities said escaped from custody while being transported to University Hospital in Newark on Thursday, Jan. 30. Voutsas, 25, escaped from a New Jersey Department of Health medical transport van at approximately 9 a.m. while en route to the hospital, State Police said. The New Jersey Human Services Police Department has charged him with escape, authorities said. Voutsas is a Tier 2 sex offender, which is described as a "repetitive, compulsive" offender on the NJ Sex Off…
Lodi Teacher Diana Pereira Dies, 42: 'Heaven Gained The Greatest Angel' Lodi Teacher Diana Pereira Dies, 42: 'Heaven Gained The Greatest Angel'
Lodi Teacher Diana Pereira Dies, 42: 'Heaven Gained The Greatest Angel' Diana Pereira, a longtime teacher in Lodi and Washington Township mother, died on Wednesday, Jan. 29, according to her obituary on the Di Chiara Funeral Home website. She was 42 years old. Diana worked in the Lodi School District for 18 years as a teacher at the Hilltop Elementary School. "Diana’s spirit was fulfilled when spending time with DJ, family, and friends, whether it was at the Caribbean Sea in Punta Cana, on the boat at Tice’s, or dancing to her favorite country and freestyle music," her obituary reads. "Diana had an infectious smile that would brighten any room she wal…