NJ School Health Plan Saved — But 34% Hike Could Squeeze Your District NJ School Health Plan Saved — But 34% Hike Could Squeeze Your District NJ School Health Plan Saved — But 34% Hike Could Squeeze Your District
NJ School Health Plan Saved — But 34% Hike Could Squeeze Your District A months-long fight over health coverage for New Jersey school employees is over, but the solution could put new pressure on school budgets — and the programs, jobs and services they pay for. The School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission approved a more than 34 percent increase in 2027 premium rates, keeping the state health plan available to participating districts but at a significantly higher cost. For school employees, the immediate impact is somewhat buffered. Under Chapter 44, a health reform passed in 2020, employees in qualifying plans contribute based on a percentage of the…

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Wanted For Murder And Getting Help: Four Charged In Toms River Manhunt, Prosecutor Says Wanted For Murder And Getting Help: Four Charged In Toms River Manhunt, Prosecutor Says Wanted For Murder And Getting Help: Four Charged In Toms River Manhunt, Prosecutor Says
Wanted For Murder And Getting Help: Four Charged In Toms River Manhunt, Prosecutor Says Four people are accused of helping a Toms River murder suspect evade authorities or giving investigators false information as the search for him continues, officials said. Ronald Hagan, 50, of Brick Township; Sylvester Green, 43, of Bayville; Cherice Nicholson, 46, of Howell; and Jennifer Rizalvo, 48, of Lakewood were each charged with hindering the apprehension of another on Thursday, Sept. 24, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The charges are tied to the search for Douglas Cobb, 51, of Toms River, who is charged with killing Bruce Gress, 42, of Toms River, on Friday, Sept…
Woman, 2 Cats Killed In Early-Morning Hamilton Apartment Fire Woman, 2 Cats Killed In Early-Morning Hamilton Apartment Fire Woman, 2 Cats Killed In Early-Morning Hamilton Apartment Fire
Woman, 2 Cats Killed In Early-Morning Hamilton Apartment Fire A woman and two cats were killed in an early-morning apartment fire in Hamilton Township, authorities said. Hamilton fire and police crews responded to the Windings Brook Apartments on Bradford Avenue around 6:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, on a report of a structure fire, according to the township Department of Public Safety. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and removed a woman from the building, authorities said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Two cats were also found dead in the fire. No other injuries were reported. Preliminary findings did not reveal anything suspicio…
1 Dead In Police-Involved Shooting Near NJ Walmart, Prosecutor Confirms 1 Dead In Police-Involved Shooting Near NJ Walmart, Prosecutor Confirms 1 Dead In Police-Involved Shooting Near NJ Walmart, Prosecutor Confirms
1 Dead In Police-Involved Shooting Near NJ Walmart, Prosecutor Confirms One person was shot and killed during an encounter with law enforcement in Cape May County on Friday, Sept. 25, prompting an investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, authorities said. The shooting involving Middle Township police happened near the Rio Grande Walmart Supercenter at Route 9 and Satt Boulevard. Witnesses reportedly told the Cape May County Herald that one person was stabbed before someone else was killed by a police officer. Daily Voice had not been able to independently verify that information as of press time. Heavy police presence was seen near the W…
Crocs Accuses Five Below Of Selling $7 Knockoffs Clogs In Lawsuit: Reports Crocs Accuses Five Below Of Selling $7 Knockoffs Clogs In Lawsuit: Reports Crocs Accuses Five Below Of Selling $7 Knockoffs Clogs In Lawsuit: Reports
Crocs Accuses Five Below Of Selling $7 Knockoffs Clogs In Lawsuit: Reports Crocs is stepping into a legal battle with Five Below after accusing the discount retailer of selling knockoff versions of its famous foam clogs, according to reports. A lawsuit was filed by Crocs and its subsidiary, Jibbitz Charms, against Philadelphia-based Five Below in US District Court in Colorado, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The lawsuit takes aim at Five Below's $7 "Juniors Charm Clog," which Crocs said copies distinct elements of its Classic Clog. Crocs claims the Five Below shoes have a similar arrangement of holes, trapezoid-shaped openings, and a textured band. T…

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Hilary Duff Expands Comeback Concert Tour: This Is 'What Dreams Are Made Of' Hilary Duff Expands Comeback Concert Tour: This Is 'What Dreams Are Made Of' Hilary Duff Expands Comeback Concert Tour: This Is 'What Dreams Are Made Of'
Hilary Duff Expands Comeback Concert Tour: This Is 'What Dreams Are Made Of' Hilary Duff is giving fans another reason to ask Why Not? — the pop star has dramatically expanded her comeback concert tour with 32 new dates around the world. Duff announced the new dates for "the lucky me tour" on Wednesday, Sept. 23, extending her first full-scale global headlining tour in nearly two decades into late 2027. And for fans who grew up with "Lizzie McGuire," Come Clean, So Yesterday, and Fly, the expansion may be exactly What Dreams Are Made Of. The new dates span Europe, Latin America, and the United States, with the new US leg kicking off in Sunrise, Florida, on Friday, …

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Fake Federal Agents Steal $6.5M In Nationwide Gold Scam: Police Fake Federal Agents Steal $6.5M In Nationwide Gold Scam: Police Fake Federal Agents Steal $6.5M In Nationwide Gold Scam: Police
Fake Federal Agents Steal $6.5M In Nationwide Gold Scam: Police Scammers posing as federal agents have stolen approximately $6.5 million in a nationwide gold scam, police announced on Friday, Sept. 25. Investigators are seeking a possible victim from the Myerstown area in Lebanon County who may have met with the same suspects on Wednesday, Sept. 9, according to an earlier Pennsylvania State Police release. Victims have been identified across the country, including Maryland and Washington State, and investigators believe others remain unidentified, police said. Troopers stopped a silver 2025 Honda Accord with California license plate 9TTS143 near mile m…

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Popular Grocery Staple Recalled After Safety Test Popular Grocery Staple Recalled After Safety Test Popular Grocery Staple Recalled After Safety Test
Popular Grocery Staple Recalled After Safety Test A familiar supermarket staple is being recalled after a food safety test raised concerns. The FDA posted Wakefern Food Corp.’s recall of select Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The company said routine FDA testing found elevated patulin levels in the product. Patulin is a substance produced by molds that can grow on damaged or bruised apples. It can also turn up in foods made from affected fruit. The recall covers 23-ounce plastic jars with UPC code 04119005677 and a best-by date of June 16, 2027. The apple sauce was distributed through ShopRite, Price…

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Popular Grocery Staple Recalled After Safety Test Popular Grocery Staple Recalled After Safety Test Popular Grocery Staple Recalled After Safety Test
Popular Grocery Staple Recalled After Safety Test A familiar supermarket staple is being recalled after a food safety test raised concerns. The FDA posted Wakefern Food Corp.’s recall of select Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The company said routine FDA testing found elevated patulin levels in the product. Patulin is a substance produced by molds that can grow on damaged or bruised apples. It can also turn up in foods made from affected fruit. The recall covers 23-ounce plastic jars with UPC code 04119005677 and a best-by date of June 16, 2027. The apple sauce was distributed through ShopRite, Price…

National Interest

NJ Ranks High Among Nation's Highest-Taxed States: See Chart NJ Ranks High Among Nation's Highest-Taxed States: See Chart NJ Ranks High Among Nation's Highest-Taxed States: See Chart
NJ Ranks High Among Nation's Highest-Taxed States: See Chart New rankings reveal the nation’s highest-taxing states, with a sizable gap separating the leader from the pack. New York and its local governments collected more taxes per person than any other state, according to the Citizens Budget Commission’s “Top of the Charts 4” analysis. They also ranked second in spending per person, behind Alaska. The report uses fiscal year 2024 data, the latest available, to compare combined state and local finances. New York’s tax collections per person exceeded the national average by 71 percent and California, in second place, by 22 percent. The top 10 states…