This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies
This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies Move over gingerbread and sugar cookies — sesame balls are quietly making their way onto holiday dessert tables this year.  Traditionally found in Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines, these golden, chewy orbs are earning a buzzworthy reputation as a standout complement to classic Christmas sweets. Known as Jian Dui in Chinese cuisine and Bánh Cam in Vietnamese culture, sesame balls are made from glutinous rice flour, stuffed with sweet fillings like red bean or lotus paste, and fried to perfection.  The result? A crispy exterior coated in toasted sesame seeds, with a sa…
Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics
Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics Homebuyers are increasingly considering political leanings when choosing neighborhoods, according to a brand-new report.  Real estate agents note that clients prioritize communities aligning with their political views, seeking compatibility beyond traditional factors like schools and safety, the Axios story says. This trend may lead to more politically homogeneous neighborhoods, potentially impacting local governance and community interactions. Additionally, new real estate platforms, such as Oyssey, provide insights into neighborhood political affiliations, further enabling buyers to…
White Christmas Eve? Here's When Next Round Of Snow Could Be Coming White Christmas Eve? Here's When Next Round Of Snow Could Be Coming
White Christmas Eve? Here's When Next Round Of Snow Could Be Coming The next round of snowfall during what's been an active weather pattern could be coming on Christmas Eve in much of the Northeast, with snow showers possible in parts of the mid-Atlantic. See the image above from AccuWeather for a look at areas where forecast models say snow and snow showers are possible along the East Coast on Tuesday, Dec. 24 (shown in the lighter shades of blue). A weak storm is likely to move quickly eastward from the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley during the day on Dec. 24 and then through the central Appalachians, the mid-Atlantic and New England from the evening hours o…
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NJ Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NJ
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NJ New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington DC residents are being urged to avoid consuming certain oysters after a recall linked to a norovirus outbreak, federal officials announced.  The contaminated oysters were sold under the brands Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi and harvested between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9, 2024, from British Columbia (BC), Canada, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The oysters, distributed by S&M Shellfish Co. of San Francisco, were shipped to retailers and restaurants across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Pe…
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $862M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $862M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $862M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 20 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $862 million with a $392.1 million cash option. The winning numbers were 02-20-51-56-67 with a Mega Ball of 19 and a Megaplier of 2X. If won at that level, the jackpot would be the largest Mega Millions prize ever won in December and the seventh largest in Mega Millions history, according to the Lottery officials 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, Dec. 23. L…
'Impractical Jokers' Star Mingles With Fans At NJ Holiday Market: You Can Meet Him Too 'Impractical Jokers' Star Mingles With Fans At NJ Holiday Market: You Can Meet Him Too
'Impractical Jokers' Star Mingles With Fans At NJ Holiday Market: You Can Meet Him Too The holiday cheer at Flounder’s 4th Annual Kringle Market in Hillsborough just got a dose of celebrity fun.  James Murray—better known as “Murr” from truTV’s hit show Impractical Jokers—delighted fans at the festive event last weekend at Carriage Farm. And he's coming back on Saturday, Dec. 21 to do it all again. Murray's visit adds an extra spark to the beloved Kringle Market, which Flounder Brewing started four years ago. The event has grown into a cherished holiday tradition, inviting visitors to shop, sip, and celebrate the season with an array of festive attractions. Bella Pizza …
NJ Man Killed In Dump Truck Crash Was Avid Gardener With Hard Work Ethic NJ Man Killed In Dump Truck Crash Was Avid Gardener With Hard Work Ethic
NJ Man Killed In Dump Truck Crash Was Avid Gardener With Hard Work Ethic Services have been finalized for the 57-year-old Morris County man killed in a dump truck crash this week. Peter Janke, of Chester, rear-ended a garbage truck on Route 206 in Mount Olive early Wednesday, Dec. 18 in Morris County, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said. Known for his strong work ethic, Pete was a manager at PLPS Printing Co. in Little Falls, his obituary on the William J. Leber Funeral Home website says. "Outside of work, he was an avid gardener with a passion for tending to his plants and maintaining his lawn," his obituary reads. "He found great jo…
Officer Reached 102 MPH, Went Airborne In Crash Caused By Medical Episode, Little Falls PD Says Officer Reached 102 MPH, Went Airborne In Crash Caused By Medical Episode, Little Falls PD Says
Officer Reached 102 MPH, Went Airborne In Crash Caused By Medical Episode, Little Falls PD Says Little Falls police have released details and identified the officer involved in a serious crash while on duty earlier this month. Little Falls Patrolman Antonio Piedrabuena began experiencing symptoms of a medical emergency, causing his marked police vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably around 1:18 a.m. on Dec. 12, his department said in a news release. The police unit reached speeds of 102 miles per hour as it veered over the double-yellow lines, struck a curb and utility pole, and crashed into the front of Schumacher Chevrolet along Main Street near Union Avenue, police said. The v…
Second Chance, First Class: Ravens Fans Get VIP Treatment At Metlife Following Big Lottery Win Second Chance, First Class: Ravens Fans Get VIP Treatment At Metlife Following Big Lottery Win
Second Chance, First Class: Ravens Fans Get VIP Treatment At Metlife Following Big Lottery Win Some Baltimore Ravens fans were given the second chance of a lifetime courtesy of a Maryland Lottery promotion that gave them a taste of the good life. The lucky winners - Raymond and Debbie Jones from Salisbury, Lenny and Darlene Brown from Woodstock, and Juan Garcia and his daughter Melanie from Riverdale - traveled with the team to the Big Apple to take on the New York Giants over the weekend, where they were treated to lavish hotel accommodations, got to meet some players, and were given $1,000 to splurge in the city. Oh, and the Ravens won the game easily to climb to 9-5 as they c…
'She Was Sent To Me:' Nutley Woman Adopts Dog Struck On Route 4 After Losing Her Own 'She Was Sent To Me:' Nutley Woman Adopts Dog Struck On Route 4 After Losing Her Own
'She Was Sent To Me:' Nutley Woman Adopts Dog Struck On Route 4 After Losing Her Own Natalie D’Angelo believes her beloved dog Zoey, who passed away in March, played a role in bringing Stella into her life.  On Friday, Dec. 20, the 41-year-old Nutley resident adopted Stella, the dog who had survived being struck by a car on Route 4 in Hackensack, from the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro. “I just lost my dog in March—she was a half dachshund—and because of that, I felt like maybe Stella was being sent to me from her,” D’Angelo said with Stella in her lap on the floor of the shelter. “I feel like I have the love of my other dog back.” View …
NJ-Based Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 25 In Garden State NJ-Based Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 25 In Garden State
Nj-based Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 25 In Garden State The party is over for a popular chain store that's been in business for decades. Party City is “winding down” operations immediately at its approximately 800 locations, CEO Barry Litwin told corporate employees  in a video call on Friday, Dec. 20, CNN reports. Workers were told they will not receive severance pay, and that their benefits would end as the company goes out of business, CNN says. The company, headquartered in in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, is running low on cash and unable to pay rent in some locations, according to an earlier Bloomberg report. Party City was foun…
Man Killed In Fatal Hunterdon County Crash After Failing To Stop For Police: State AG Man Killed In Fatal Hunterdon County Crash After Failing To Stop For Police: State AG
Man Killed In Fatal Hunterdon County Crash After Failing To Stop For Police: State AG The State Attorney General's Office said on Friday, Dec. 20, it is investigating a fatal crash in Hunterdon County that killed a 20-year-old Virginia resident back in October. On Friday, Oct. 18, Scott Segreaves was operating a vehicle on Water Street in Milford Borough when New Jersey State Police Staff Sergeant Nicholas Pryszlak attempted to catch up to his car in connection with a speeding violation, the State Attorney General's Office said.  Both vehicles made left turns on Stamets Road in Holland Township and Sgt. Pryszlak activated his lights and sirens, authorities said. Se…
These 18 NJ Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When These 18 NJ Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When
These 18 NJ Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business.  The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has announced plans to close all 963 of its remaining stores nationwide, including 18 locations in New Jersey. The last day of business is expected to be in mid-February, according to sources familiar with the closures. While official store closing sales have not yet begun, all Christmas items are currently 50% off, offering shoppers a chance to stock up before the doors shut for good. The closures mark the end of an era for the budget-friendl…
School Bus Hits Tree, Four Central Jersey Students Sent To Hospitals: Police School Bus Hits Tree, Four Central Jersey Students Sent To Hospitals: Police
School Bus Hits Tree, Four Central Jersey Students Sent To Hospitals: Police Four middle school students were hospitalized, including one who broke their leg, when a school bus crashed into a tree in Monroe Township, authorities said. Officers responded to the scene on North State Home Road at around 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, the Monroe Township Police Department. Investigators said the school bus was traveling east on North State Home Road when it veered off the road and struck a tree on the driver’s side. The bus was transporting students from Monroe Township Middle School. One student suffered a broken leg and was transported to a nea…
20 Years In Prison For German Man Who Traveled To NJ For Sex With Kids: Feds 20 Years In Prison For German Man Who Traveled To NJ For Sex With Kids: Feds
20 Years In Prison For German Man Who Traveled To NJ For Sex With Kids: Feds A 40-year-old German man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday, Dec. 18 after admitting he traveled to New Jersey to have sex with a minor, authorities said. In January 2023, undercover officers began chatting with Christian Stefan Walther abut his desire to have sex with young children, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said.  Walther sent an undercover officer two videos, each of which depicted an adult male engaging in sexual conduct with a prepubescent aged female child, Sellinger said. Walther also expressed his desire to engage in sexual conduct with children aged…
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Nearly 30 percent of US pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021, according to a new study in the health-policy publication Health Affairs. The research, led by University of California Berkeley assistant professor Jenny S. Guadamuz and colleagues, analyzed data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, county health statistics, and ZIP Code demographic surveys.  Of the 88,930 retail pharmacies operating in 2010, almost one-third shuttered by 2021, with those in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods disproportionately affected, Independent pharmacies were hit ha…
Ex-Paterson Mayor Avoids Jailtime In Admitting To Violating Public Office Ban Ex-Paterson Mayor Avoids Jailtime In Admitting To Violating Public Office Ban
Ex-Paterson Mayor Avoids Jailtime In Admitting To Violating Public Office Ban Former Paterson Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres pleaded guilty to criminal contempt for defying a 2017 court order permanently barring him from running for or holding public office, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced. Torres, 66, admitted during a hearing on Thursday, Dec. 19, in Passaic County Superior Court that his 2022 bid to reclaim the mayor’s seat violated the judicial order. The plea, to a fourth-degree criminal contempt charge, followed an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA)’s Corruption Bureau. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the St…
Supporters Of Central Jersey HS Football Coach Battling Cancer Plan Drive-By Event Supporters Of Central Jersey HS Football Coach Battling Cancer Plan Drive-By Event
Supporters Of Central Jersey HS Football Coach Battling Cancer Plan Drive-By Event Freehold is rallying to support a beloved football coach and history teacher battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. An event called "Coach Mac’s KO Cancer Drive By" will be held in the Freehold Township High School parking lot at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22. The drive-by was planned to show support for 44-year-old Brian McNamara as he undergoes heavy chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The special parade was organized by a close friend of McNamara's named Lenny. "Everyone has been asking to see Brian, but due to his current treatment schedule and health, this dr…
Photos Show Plane Crash Near Lakewood Airport, 4 Miraculously Survive (UPDATE) Photos Show Plane Crash Near Lakewood Airport, 4 Miraculously Survive (UPDATE)
Photos Show Plane Crash Near Lakewood Airport, 4 Miraculously Survive (Update) A small plane crashed near Lakewood's airport, leaving four passengers injured, authorities said. Officers received a call about the crash at the Lakewood Township Municipal Airport just before 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, a Lakewood Police Department spokesperson said. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found the plane in a wooded area. The general aviation airport is located on 191 acres off Cedarbridge Avenue and is operated by the township government. Photos were shared by The Lakewood Scoop, who was the first to report the story. View this pos…
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots has announced plans to close all of its remaining 963 stores, initiating "going out of business" sales following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September. The company says it's started the process of closing stores in 48 states and liquidating inventory under its court-supervised Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.  The decision comes as the retailer seeks to maximize value for stakeholders while exploring potential going-concern sale opportunities. "We all have worked extremely hard and have taken every step to complete a going concern sale," Big Lots' President and Chie…
Officer From Somerset Arrested For Falsifying Public Records, Prosecutor Says Officer From Somerset Arrested For Falsifying Public Records, Prosecutor Says
Officer From Somerset Arrested For Falsifying Public Records, Prosecutor Says A police officer in Warren County has been charged with falsifying public records following an investigation by the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office and the Greenwich Township Police Department, authorities announced. Greenwich Township Officer Tyler S. Roller, 30, of Somerset, was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 19, after an investigation found he entered the names of two individuals into the police department's records management system in connection with incidents they were not involved in, Acting Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kevin R. Brotzman said. Roller faces one count of falsifyi…
NYC Man Seriously Injured In Crash At Central Jersey Intersection, Police Say NYC Man Seriously Injured In Crash At Central Jersey Intersection, Police Say
NYC Man Seriously Injured In Crash At Central Jersey Intersection, Police Say A New York City man was seriously injured in a crash at a Mercer County intersection, authorities said. Officers responded to the intersection of Nottingham Way and Wegner Avenue in Hamilton Township at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Hamilton Police Division said in a news release. The intersection is next to an off-ramp for Exit 63B on Interstate 295. Investigators said a 2008 Infiniti G35 driven by a Trenton man was heading west on Nottingham Way when the car struck a 2010 Toyota Prius. A Brooklyn, New York, man was trying to turn left in the Toyota from…
FAA Bans Drones From Flying Over Parts Of New Jersey: See The List FAA Bans Drones From Flying Over Parts Of New Jersey: See The List
FAA Bans Drones From Flying Over Parts Of New Jersey: See The List New Jersey’s skies are getting a no-drone zone makeover.  In response to a string of drone sightings that have raised eyebrows and security concerns across the state, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued 22 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) banning drones from buzzing around "critical New Jersey infrastructure." Prompted by a request from federal security partners, the restrictions are set to take effect Wednesday, Dec. 17, and will run through Friday, Jan. 17. The no-fly zones below aim to curb potential risks posed by drones near sensitive sites and ensure airspace…
Drugs, Ghost Guns, Corruption: Former NJ Police Sergeant Indicted, Prosecutors Say Drugs, Ghost Guns, Corruption: Former NJ Police Sergeant Indicted, Prosecutors Say
Drugs, Ghost Guns, Corruption: Former NJ Police Sergeant Indicted, Prosecutors Say A former Middletown police sergeant was given 22 criminal charges after an investigation revealed a web of illegal activity involving untraceable guns, drugs, and abuse of power, authorities said. David Ringkamp, 43, was indicted by a grand jury, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Thursday, Dec. 19. Ringkamp was formerly a Union Beach resident. The investigation into Ringkamp began in December 2021. New York State Police identified Nicholas D’Ambrosio of Millstone as someone purchasing kits to assemble ghost guns, which are illegal in New Jersey.…
BREAKING: Wayne School Bus Crashes Into Building After Hitting 2 Cars, Police Say BREAKING: Wayne School Bus Crashes Into Building After Hitting 2 Cars, Police Say
Breaking: Wayne School Bus Crashes Into Building After Hitting 2 Cars, Police Say A Wayne Board of Education school bus crashed into a building after striking two vehicles at a busy intersection Thursday morning, Dec. 20, authorities said. ALSO SEE: Students, School Bus Driver Hospitalized In Crash With Tractor-Trailer On Route 17 In Paramus The crash occurred at approximately 7:28 a.m. as the bus was traveling north on Black Oak Ridge Road near the intersection with Pompton Plains Crossroad, according to Detective Captain Dan Daly of the Wayne Police Department. After hitting two vehicles stopped in the left turn lane, the bus continued into the intersection, veer…
Sexual Misconduct With Patient Means Revocation Of License For Bergen Physical Therapist: AG Sexual Misconduct With Patient Means Revocation Of License For Bergen Physical Therapist: AG
Sexual Misconduct With Patient Means Revocation Of License For Bergen Physical Therapist: AG The New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners has permanently revoked the license of a Bergen County physical therapist who admitted to engaging in sexual relations with one patient and was accused of making inappropriate remarks to another, officials said. Danny O. Steffens, who practiced at facilities in New Milford and Fort Lee, voluntarily surrendered his license following complaints from two female patients, identified in filed documents as Patient #1 and Patient #2, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Thursday, Dec. 19. Steffens is prohibited from ever reappl…
Undercover Sting Exposes Butt Lifts, Treatments Offered In Unlicensed NJ Woman's Home: Cops Undercover Sting Exposes Butt Lifts, Treatments Offered In Unlicensed NJ Woman's Home: Cops
Undercover Sting Exposes Butt Lifts, Treatments Offered In Unlicensed NJ Woman's Home: Cops A New Jersey woman was accused of performing Brazilian butt lifts and wrinkle removals at an unlicensed medical practice, authorities said. Yamile Mattos, 61, of South Plainfield, was charged with unlicensed practice of medicine, possession with intent to distribute prescription legend drugs, and possession of counterfeit or misbranded prescription legend drugs, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a news release on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Undercover officers posed as clients seeking cosmetic procedures at a Park Avenue home on Tuesday, Dec. 17. During the sti…
1 To 3 Inches Of Snow Expected This Weekend In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's Your Forecast 1 To 3 Inches Of Snow Expected This Weekend In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's Your Forecast
1 To 3 Inches Of Snow Expected This Weekend In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's Your Forecast A weak winter system is expected to bring a mix of light snow and rain to parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania beginning Friday morning, Dec. 20, and lasting into early Saturday, Dec. 21, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Mount Holly said. A weak system will move through Friday into early Saturday morning, bringing a mixed bag of wintry weather across the... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Thursday, December 19, 2024 The Poconos and northwest New Jersey are expected to see the most snow, with accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 inches. Areas north…
Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon
Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon As the holiday season peaks, the Teamsters Union has initiated a significant strike against Amazon, targeting facilities in four states. This action is described as the largest labor movement in the company’s history. On Thursday morning, December 19, union members began protests at a fulfillment center in Queens, New York, with additional strikes occurring in Atlanta, Southern California, and Skokie, Illinois. The union aims to highlight unacceptable working conditions and Amazon’s refusal to engage in collective bargaining.  Their demands include better wages, hours, and benefits fo…
'You're Good:' NJ State Troopers Often Gave Connected Motorists Free Pass, Comptroller Finds 'You're Good:' NJ State Troopers Often Gave Connected Motorists Free Pass, Comptroller Finds
'You're Good:' NJ State Troopers Often Gave Connected Motorists Free Pass, Comptroller Finds The difference between getting a ticket and getting a warning from a New Jersey State Trooper could be based on who you know, according to a new report from the New Jersey Comptroller's Office. As part of its Police Accountability Project, the comptroller's office reviewed camera footage of 501 stops by state police that did not result in a ticket. In 27% of the stops, motorists presented a courtesy card, claimed to have a friend or relative in law enforcement, or flashed a law enforcement badge and then were let go, the report said. In some cases, the trooper released the motorist immediat…
NJ Magazine Distributor Ordered To Pay $300K In Back Wages, Penalties: Attorney General NJ Magazine Distributor Ordered To Pay $300K In Back Wages, Penalties: Attorney General
NJ Magazine Distributor Ordered To Pay $300K In Back Wages, Penalties: Attorney General A New Jersey magazine and newspaper distributor will be paying nearly $300,000 in back wages and penalties after misclassifying employees as independent contractors, authorities said. The New Jersey Department of Labor began investigating NJ Penn, which has offices in Jersey City, and determined that between 2018 and 2022, NJ Penn misclassified at least 105 newspaper delivery, warehouse, and other workers as independent contractors instead of employees, in violation of New Jersey law, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office said. NJ Penn violated numerous labor laws, including failing to p…