New Rankings Reveal NJ's Top Public Elementary Schools: See The Best Of The Best New Rankings Reveal NJ's Top Public Elementary Schools: See The Best Of The Best
New Rankings Reveal NJ's Top Public Elementary Schools: See The Best Of The Best Niche.com has released brand-new rankings putting New Jersey's public elementary schools on the map as some of the best in the country. The top school in New Jersey is Wyoming Elementary School in Millburn, which is No. 64 in the United States, according to Niche. The school received an A+ for both teachers and academics and an A for diversity. The top elementary schools in New Jersey, according to Niche, are: 1. Wyoming Elementary School (Millburn Township School District, K-4) 2. Alpine Elementary School (Alpine, K-8) 3. Hartshorn Elementary School (Millburn Township School D…
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire Shock and sadness spread following the death of 18-year-old firefighter Dariel Vasquez, who was killed on Saturday, Nov. 9, while bravely battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire that spread from New Jersey into Greenwood Lake, New York.  Vasquez, a young Parks and Recreation Aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, lost his life in the line of duty, a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and service. New York State Police are investigating the circumstances of his death. Known as a rising star in his community, Dariel was a former R…
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford A sprawling wildfire, now covering 3,000 acres, continues to burn through West Milford Monday, Nov. 11, however, air quality levels across the region have improved. The Jennings Creek Wildfire threatens 24 structures across both New Jersey and New York, including two homes in New Jersey, eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, and 14 structures on East Shore Road in Greenwood Lake, NY, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. As of the latest update, the fire is only 10% contained, prompting officials to close East Shore and Beech Roads, along with all tr…
Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar
Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar President-elect Donald Trump has picked one of his strongest allies in Congress to serve as United States ambassador to the United Nations and a former member of his first administration as border czar. Rep. Elise Stefanik, age 40, was first elected to New York's 21st District in 2014 and is the House Republican Conference Chair, the youngest woman to hold that post. "Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to CBS News. CNN first reported the news late Sunday, Nov. 10. Trump also decided on another native New Yorker for a…
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained 2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained A massive wildfire spanning 2,500 acres is burning through West Milford, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, threatening homes and historic sites as firefighters battle to contain it.  Known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, the blaze has put two residential buildings in New Jersey and 14 structures on East Shore Road in New York at risk, along with eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in the latest update Sunday morning, Nov. 10. Good Morning West Milford, Today Forest Fire will begin back burn operations in the …
18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest 18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest
18-Year-Old Parks Worker Dies Battling Wildfire At Sterling Forest A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region. Click here for a new, updated story - 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As HS Baseball Standout The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. He's been identified as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, police said. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pr…
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Three active wildfires in New Jersey are keeping firefighters busy this weekend as the air quality continues to worsen. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working to contain fires in West Milford, Pompton Lakes, and Englewood Cliffs (scroll for details on each one). AirNow.gov shows an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 171, or unhealthy, across North Jersey, as of 7:30 p.m., caused by the smoke that blanketed the region. Click here to see an active AQI map or click here to check your town's AQI. Prolonged dry conditions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong winds have contribut…
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials A massive wildfire that scorched 350 acres in Jackson Township was ignited by an illegal shotgun round that authorities said was fired by a 37-year-old Brick Township man. Authorities charged Richard Shashaty, 37, with arson after an investigation revealed that magnesium shards from a prohibited Dragon’s Breath 12-gauge shotgun round sparked the blaze on Nov. 6, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The fire, known as the Shotgun Wildfire, erupted shortly after noon on November 6 near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road. Investigators determined that the incendi…
Paterson Woman Charged With Attempted Murder In Early-Morning Stabbing: Prosecutor Paterson Woman Charged With Attempted Murder In Early-Morning Stabbing: Prosecutor
Paterson Woman Charged With Attempted Murder In Early-Morning Stabbing: Prosecutor An early morning stabbing on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Paterson left a local woman injured and led to the arrest of a 37-year-old suspect, authorities said.  Officers found the 54-year-old victim suffering from multiple stab wounds at Park Avenue around 3:20 a.m., Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. Quadasia Pierce was identified as the suspected assailant following an investigation, Valdes said. She was found near the scene shortly after the stabbing. She has been charged with First Degree Attempted Murder, Second Degree Aggravated Assault, and additional weapons ch…
Clifton Police Officer Joseph Pichnarcik Dies, 45 Clifton Police Officer Joseph Pichnarcik Dies, 45
Clifton Police Officer Joseph Pichnarcik Dies, 45 The Clifton Police Department is mourning the passing of one of its own, Officer Joseph A. Pichnarcik. Pichnarcik died on Wednesday, Nov. 6, following a brave fight against a long-term illness, according to his department and his obituary on the Allwood Funeral Home website.  Officer Pichnarcik, who served the Clifton community with pride and commitment since joining in 2006, was known for his warm spirit, reliability, and the unwavering support he offered his fellow officers. Before his tenure in Clifton, Officer Pichnarcik served with the Paterson Police Department. Pichnarcik…
Newly Re-Elected Ridgewood Mayor Steps Down As 30-Year Owner Of Greek Restaurant Newly Re-Elected Ridgewood Mayor Steps Down As 30-Year Owner Of Greek Restaurant
Newly Re-Elected Ridgewood Mayor Steps Down As 30-Year Owner Of Greek Restaurant After nearly 30 years at the helm of It’s Greek to Me, Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos has announced his decision to step away from the restaurant. Vagianos shared the news with mixed emotions, reflecting on the deep connection he has fostered with Ridgewood since moving his family to what he calls “the most wonderful town in America.” “It’s been an incredible ride,” Vagianos expressed. "Little did I realize that when I moved my family to the most wonderful town in America that I would be in a business that became my passion for almost 3 decades." Vagianos was re-elected as mayor alongside&n…
Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City Arson Unit Probing Four-Alarm Fire That Displaced 26 Residents In Jersey City
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…
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Residents across North Jersey are facing worsening air quality due to smoke from a major wildfire burning in Pompton Lakes.  UPDATE: Unhealthy Air Quality Levels Reported In North Jersey As New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Rages Smoke from the Pompton Lakes wildfire. North Jersey Video Service or NJVS Dubbed the "Cannonball 3 Wildfire," the blaze has expanded to 100 acres with no containment, as per the latest update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. By late Friday night, Nov. 8, smoke from the raging Passaic County wildfire drifted as far as Fair Lawn, Hackensack, New Milfo…
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $92M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $92M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $92M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Nov. 9 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $92 million with a $43.4 million cash option after there was no winner in the past week. 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, Nov. 11. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 11-24-50-56-66 with a Powerball of 16 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, accor…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 8 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $334M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 8 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $334M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 8 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $334M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Nov. 8 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $334 million with an $156.5 million cash option. The winning numbers were 25-28-42-64-69 with a Mega Ball of 19 and a Megaplier of 3X. MegaMillions If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12. 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 fr…
Sandler Spottings Continue: 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filming Hits Hudson County Sandler Spottings Continue: 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filming Hits Hudson County
Sandler Spottings Continue: 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filming Hits Hudson County The Sandman sightings continue. Adam Sandler, who has been filming "Happy Gilmore 2" throughout the Garden State was spotted filming the movie in Kearny on Friday, Nov.  Sandler was seen at the Presbyterian Church and Roosevelt School between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., Jenn Dieguez, who spotted the actor said. "He came over and said hi and shook hands, fist bumped and said, 'thank you for letting us shoot in your beautiful town”". So far, Sandler has been spotted at Lokl Cafe at 80 South St. in Morristown, where employees said he helped out behind the counter on Sunday, Sept. 1. Sandler…
VIDEO: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287 VIDEO: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287
Video: Officers Rescue Driver Seconds Before SUV Erupts In Flames On Route 287 Two police officers' quick actions likely saved an unconscious 29-year-old New York driver from a wrecked car on Route 287, just seconds before it burst into flames. The Chevrolet SUV was heading south when he struck a Peterbilt tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder at 4:20 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan said. "While Mahwah units were responding, dispatch updated that they were receiving additional 9-1-1 calls that the driver was still inside the burning vehicle and that witnesses were unable to extricate the driver," Mahwah Police Capt. Guido…
Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say
Bogus US Documents Found On Mexican National Burglarizing Bergen County Homes, Police Say A 20-year-old Mexican national was found with a fraudulent Social Security card and U.S. Permanent Resident card after police say he tried breaking into two Bergen County homes while residents were home. Oakland officers responded to a Hillside Avenue around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, to reports of a break-in, according to Oakland Police Capt. Timothy Keenan. Officers Jake Martin, Michael Didonato, and Karley Greulich found Angel Parra Zaragoza leaving the homeowner’s vehicle and immediately detained him. Investigators determined that Zaragoza had allegedly tried to kick in…
FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says
FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says An Iranian operative and two associates living in America have been charged in a murder-for-hire plot targeting United States citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump. Federal authorities have charged Farhad Shakeri, an alleged operative of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with two New York City associates in a plot to assassinate a US citizen critical of the Iranian government.  The case highlights the continued threat posed by Iran’s attempts to silence dissidents and even target top US. officials. According to the Department of Justice criminal complai…
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One New Jersey is actively managing five wildfires across multiple counties, sending smoke into surrounding towns and worsening the air quality. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues efforts to contain the flames under a Red Flag Warning issued through Saturday, Nov. 9, by the U.S. National Weather Service.  HIGH Fire Danger Today! A Red Flag Warning is in effect today into this evening as very dry conditions and gusty winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 8, 2024 Here's the updated status for each of the five wi…
Grammy Nominations 2025 Announced, These NJ Artists Are Shining Bright Grammy Nominations 2025 Announced, These NJ Artists Are Shining Bright
Grammy Nominations 2025 Announced, These NJ Artists Are Shining Bright Two of New Jersey’s music stars are shining bright in the 2025 Grammy nominations. Nominations for the at the 67th annual ceremony were announced Friday, Nov. 8. The Grammy Awards will be held on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, honoring music released between September 2023 and August 2024.  The following nominees have Garden State ties: SZA, 34: The R&B powerhouse from Maplewood who recently bought a pizza lunch for hundreds of high schoolers, has earned several major Grammy nods, including Best R&B Song for her hit “Saturn.” Known f…
Three Arrested After 100+ Grams Of Cocaine Found In Jersey City, Newark: Prosecutor Three Arrested After 100+ Grams Of Cocaine Found In Jersey City, Newark: Prosecutor
Three Arrested After 100+ Grams Of Cocaine Found In Jersey City, Newark: Prosecutor Three men were arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 6, after a search warrant of residences in Jersey City and Newark turned up 100 grams of cocaine and 30 grams of heroin, authorities said.  A months-long narcotics investigation in Jersey City and Newark by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force led to search warrant at residences on Kensington Avenue in Jersey City and Hunterdon Street in Newark, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. As a result of the search warrant, more than 100 grams of suspected cocaine, more than 30 grams of suspected heroin, and&nbs…
Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged
Feds Dismantle Luxury Interstate Car Ring, 7 NJ Men Charged Eight men, including seven from New Jersey, have been charged in Newark federal court on Thursday, Nov. 7, for their roles in a conspiracy to steal luxury cars and transport them across state lines, authorities said. Arrested were: Ahmad Franks, 24, Shaquan White, 23, Nathan Braswell, 20, Ibn Bellamy, 24, Zamir Wright, 20, all Newark residents, Ryan Bowen, 26, Khyree Lawrence, 20 both East Orange residents and Mohammed Buhari, a 45-year-old Virginia resident. Federal officials detailed the thefts: Audi Q5, Jersey City: On Nov. 5, 2021, a 2021 Audi Q5 was reported stolen in Jersey City…
Newark Man Gets 4+ Years For Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl: Feds Newark Man Gets 4+ Years For Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl: Feds
Newark Man Gets 4+ Years For Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl: Feds A 37-year-old Newark man was sentenced to 4.8 years in prison on Tuesday, Nov. 5,  for distributing cocaine and fentanyl in 2022, authorities said. In December 2022, Carlos Gonzalez and another individual conspired to distribute approximately one kilogram of cocaine and 100 grams of fentanyl and were arrested shortly after arriving at an agreed-upon location in Kearny to complete the sale, US Attorney Phillip Sellinger said.  After their arrests, a search of Gonzalez’s home and an apartment uncovered two loaded firearms, an unloaded firearm, ammunition, drug packaging materials, a…
Newark Man Robbed Pharmacy At Gunpoint: Feds Newark Man Robbed Pharmacy At Gunpoint: Feds
Newark Man Robbed Pharmacy At Gunpoint: Feds A 26-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged on Monday, Nov. 4, with robbing a pharmacy at gunpoint last year, authorities said. On Saturday, Dec. 30, Nariq Petes and an accomplice drove to a pharmacy wearing black masks, US Attorney Phillip Sellinger said. Once inside the pharmacy, Petes brandished a handgun and demanded prescription drugs, Sellinger said. Petes and his conspirator took at least six bottles of prescription medication, Sellinger said. Petes was charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a weapon, Sellinger said. He faces…
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says A common ingredient found in most oral over-the-counter cold medicines should be removed from the market because it doesn’t work, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. This follows an extensive review that found the drug ineffective for treating nasal congestion. Oral phenylephrine, widely marketed in cold and allergy medications, has been in use for decades as a go-to nasal decongestant.  However, an FDA review, backed by last year’s unanimous recommendation from the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee, found that phenylephrine in oral form does not deliver effective conge…
Trump Names NJ's 'Ice Maiden' Susie Wiles Chief Of Staff Trump Names NJ's 'Ice Maiden' Susie Wiles Chief Of Staff
Trump Names NJ's 'Ice Maiden' Susie Wiles Chief Of Staff President-elect Donald J. Trump has appointed New Jersey native Susan "Susie" Summerall Wiles, the campaign manager of his successful 2024 presidential campaign, as his White House Chief of Staff, according to an announcement made Thursday, Nov. 7. It marks a historic milestone as she will become the first woman to hold the position in US history.  “Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns,” Trump said in the press release. “Susie is tough, smart, innovative, an…
Restaurant Visionary Brings Luxe Dining Experience With NYC Skyline Views To North Jersey Restaurant Visionary Brings Luxe Dining Experience With NYC Skyline Views To North Jersey
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…
Grenade Discovered In Jersey City Garage Grenade Discovered In Jersey City Garage
Grenade Discovered In Jersey City Garage A grenade was discovered in a garage in Jersey City on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 6, authorities said. At 11:03 a.m., police were called to Belmont Avenue after a person found the grenade while cleaning out their garage, Kimberly Wallace-Scalfione, a spokeswoman for the mayor's office said. The JCPD’s Emergency Service Unit responded and determined the grenade was real, Wallace-Scalfione said.  ESU determined it was a hollowed-out novelty grenade body, Wallace-Scalfione said. The item was taken back to ESU headquarters, where it was X-rayed and cleared for potential hazards b…
Passaic County Flips To Red: Here's How Each Town Voted In The 2024 Election Passaic County Flips To Red: Here's How Each Town Voted In The 2024 Election
Passaic County Flips To Red: Here's How Each Town Voted In The 2024 Election Passaic County is seeing red for the first time since 1992. The reliably Democrat county voted for President-elect Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, 95,620 votes to 89,086 votes, 50% to 46.6%. It was the first time Passaic County had voted a Republican for president since 1992 and the first time a Republican got 50% of the vote since George H.W. Bush in 1988. In 2020, President Joe Biden defeated Trump, 129,097 votes to 92,009 votes, 57.55% to 41.02%.  The shift in Passaic County was part of a shift toward Trump statewide. While Harris defeated Trump by 5 points in the G…
Union City Man Made Sexual Contact With 6-Year-Old: Prosecutor Union City Man Made Sexual Contact With 6-Year-Old: Prosecutor
Union City Man Made Sexual Contact With 6-Year-Old: Prosecutor A 48-year-old Union City man was arrested and charged on Wednesday, Nov. 6 with making sexual contact with a 6-year-ol girl earlier this year, authorities said. Edgar Fernando-Gomez made sexual contact with the girl in May at a residence in Jersey City, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. The victim was known to Fernando-Gomez, authorities said. Fernando-Gomez was charged with sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child, Suarez said. He was arrested at his residence and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance, Suarez …