East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List
East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List The East Coast is well-represented on Yelp's just-released rankings of the best new restaurants in 2024. "For this list, the data team analyzed business rating and review volume for restaurants opened in the last 18 months," Yelp said. NY Well-Represented Leading the pack is Mēdüzā Mediterrania, located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.  This top-ranked eatery specializes in “Mezze” dishes, which are typically served as appetizers or light meals in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines.  The menu is crafted for sharing and features a delightful variety of f…
Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook
Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook The arrival of an unsettled weather pattern at the end of this week will bring a storm system that could deliver snow as the new year begins. Current long-range models indicate that the potential snowmaker may arrive on Wednesday, Jan. 1. If it arrives overnight, we could see accumulating snowfall. However, with daytime temperatures expected to be in the 40s, any snow during the day may mix with rain, or precipitation could be entirely rain. There’s also a chance for a wintry mix or snow on Thursday, Jan. 2. Before this unsettled weather begins, expect dry conditions from Christmas Day, W…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot It may be a merry Christmas for lucky Lottery players looking for a $1 billion jackpot under the tree. The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 24 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $1 billion with a $448.8 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 11-14-38-45-46 with a Mega Ball of 03 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27.  MegaMillions Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chan…
Retired Upper Saddle River Police Officer Craig Parrella Dies: 'The Guy You Could Count On' Retired Upper Saddle River Police Officer Craig Parrella Dies: 'The Guy You Could Count On'
Retired Upper Saddle River Police Officer Craig Parrella Dies: 'The Guy You Could Count On' Hearts broke across North Jersey on Christmas Eve as news spread of the passing of Craig Parrella, a retired Upper Saddle River Police officer and former United States Marine. Parrella's wife, Lauren, shared the news of his passing in an emotional Facebook post on Tuesday, Dec. 24. "Craig was quite simply one of the best people I ever knew," she writes. I have loved him since I was 22 years old and will love him until my last breath. He was kind, thoughtful, sweet, funny, selfless, talented, loving, and so much more. "Craig gave me a love and adoration that most people don’t find in their…
Former NJ Lifeguard, NC Police Officer Dies In Supermarket Shooting: 'He Was Amazing' Former NJ Lifeguard, NC Police Officer Dies In Supermarket Shooting: 'He Was Amazing'
Former NJ Lifeguard, NC Police Officer Dies In Supermarket Shooting: 'He Was Amazing' A New Jersey native who was a police officer in North Carolina was shot and killed at a Greensboro supermarket just two days before Christmas, authorities said. Officer Michael Horan died in the shooting while responding to a report of an armed man at a Food Lion on Monday, Dec. 23, the Greensboro Police Department said in a news release. The Beach Haven native was 44 years old. North Carolina Highway Patrol arrested Tarell McMillian, 34, about two hours away in Duplin County. The Greensboro man was charged with first-degree murder and was held without bond in the Guilfo…
Greek Shipping Firms Fined Millions for Polluting NJ Waters, Falsifying Records Greek Shipping Firms Fined Millions for Polluting NJ Waters, Falsifying Records
Greek Shipping Firms Fined Millions for Polluting NJ Waters, Falsifying Records Two Greek shipping companies were fined millions in federal court in Newark on Monday, Dec. 23 after pleading guilty to polluting waters, falsifying records, and obstructing justice during port calls in New Jersey last year, authorities said. Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises, owners and operators of the oil tanker Kriti Ruby, will pay $4.6 million in fines and community service payments, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said. They were also placed on probation for five years with mandatory environmental compliance monitoring, Sellinger said The companies illeg…
Brazilian Man Tried To Extort NJ Company For 3 Mil In Bitcoin Using Stolen Data: Feds Brazilian Man Tried To Extort NJ Company For 3 Mil In Bitcoin Using Stolen Data: Feds
Brazilian Man Tried To Extort NJ Company For 3 Mil In Bitcoin Using Stolen Data: Feds A 29-year-old Brazilian man was arrested and charged on Monday, Dec. 23 with threatening to extort a New Jersey company using stolen data, authorities said. In March 2020, Junior Barros De Oliveira gained unauthorized access and exceeded authorized access to the computer systems of an unnamed Brazilian subsidiary of a New Jersey company, US Attorney Phillip Sellinger said. Exploiting this access, De Oliveira obtained confidential customer information relating to approximately 300,000 customers of the company, Sellinger said. In September 2020, De Oliveira began contacting U.S. representativ…
SantaCon Shenanigans: 8 Arrested In Hoboken As Police Handle Fights, Crashes, Chaos SantaCon Shenanigans: 8 Arrested In Hoboken As Police Handle Fights, Crashes, Chaos
SantaCon Shenanigans: 8 Arrested In Hoboken As Police Handle Fights, Crashes, Chaos Some people attending SantaCon 2024 in Hoboken, including several from out of state, couldn't help but end up on the naughty list. Hoboken police said eight people were arrested at the annual event on Saturday, Dec. 21, where people dress up as Santa Claus for a bar crawl, a spinoff of the popular event held every year in New York City (scroll down for details).  Overall, police issued 16 traffic summonses, dealt with 13 fights, and responded to three motor vehicle crashes, police said. Last year saw only two arrests. Those arrested this year were: 21-year-old Derek Nolan, 21 of Sad…
Crew Member Airlifted Battling Large NJ Waterfront House Fire, New Photos Released (UPDATE) Crew Member Airlifted Battling Large NJ Waterfront House Fire, New Photos Released (UPDATE)
Crew Member Airlifted Battling Large NJ Waterfront House Fire, New Photos Released (Update) A crew member was seriously injured while battling a fire that destroyed a multimillion-dollar home on the waterfront of Long Beach Island, officials said. The crew member was airlifted to a trauma center after falling and suffering a head injury, the Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company said in a Facebook post. It happened during a house fire on Holly Drive in the Loveladies section of Long Beach Island on Monday, Dec. 23. Early this morning at 0418, we were dispatched to a structure fire with reports of smoke and flames on the 3rd floor and... Posted by Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire …
Firefighters Endure Brutal Cold To Extinguish Raritan Blaze: Authorities Firefighters Endure Brutal Cold To Extinguish Raritan Blaze: Authorities
Firefighters Endure Brutal Cold To Extinguish Raritan Blaze: Authorities Firefighters in Raritan Township fought the elements and a heavy fire on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 22. At 9:51 p.m., firefighters responded to a structure fire on Cross Creek Drive in Raritan Township, Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad said. The extreme cold  remote location, and need for water shuttle operations made battling the blaze a challenge, first responders said. Crews worked into the early morning hours to bring the blaze under control, firefighters said. One person was treated at the scene, first responders said. Crews returned to the scene …
US Attorney For New Jersey Announces Resignation US Attorney For New Jersey Announces Resignation
US Attorney For New Jersey Announces Resignation Philip Sellinger, the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey announced on Monday, Dec. 23, he is resigning effective 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8. "Serving as the United States Attorney has been the honor of a lifetime," Sellinger said in a statement. "My sincere thanks to President Biden for appointing me the temporary steward of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I leave knowing the storied traditions of this office will continue through our dedicated career Assistant U.S. Attorneys and staff." Sellinger, 70, was nominated by Biden in 2021 upon the recommendation of then-Senat…
Christmas Eve Travel Chaos: American Airlines Grounds Flights Nationwide Christmas Eve Travel Chaos: American Airlines Grounds Flights Nationwide
Christmas Eve Travel Chaos: American Airlines Grounds Flights Nationwide Holiday travel was disrupted for many when American Airlines grounded all flights nationwide on Christmas Eve morning due to a technical issue. Thousands of passengers experienced delays, missed connections, and confusion on one of the busiest travel days of the year, Tuesday, Dec. 24. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the ground stop at the airline’s request. By late morning, the FAA lifted the ground stop after the issue was resolved, allowing American Airlines to resume operations. Travelers reported waits exceeding 90 minutes, with some having to deplane. Frustration …
Latest Update: Christmas Eve Storm Brings Snow, Sleet, Slippery Roads To Northeast Latest Update: Christmas Eve Storm Brings Snow, Sleet, Slippery Roads To Northeast
Latest Update: Christmas Eve Storm Brings Snow, Sleet, Slippery Roads To Northeast A fast-moving storm system is bringing a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, causing slippery travel trouble throughout the Northeast on what's a white Christmas Eve. The wintry precipitation is falling from Washington, DC to Boston on Tuesday, Dec. 24, with up to a foot of snowfall in some spots. For a look at where slippery travel is expected and predicted precipitation types by location, see the first image above on the AccuWeather map. "Roads will become snow covered due to recent cold weather, resulting in slippery travel conditions," the National Weather Service says. "Anyone planning to t…
FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns
FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised its recall alert for a brand of eggs to the highest level due to potential Salmonella contamination, which could lead to severe health risks or even death. The brand, Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs, were sold at Costco. This follows a voluntary recall initiated by New York City-based manufacturer Handsome Brook Farms in late November. Earlier Report: Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination The affected eggs, bearing UPC 9661910680, Julian code 327, and a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2…
Strange Tasting Water Has Been Plaguing Some NJ Residents — Now They Know Why Strange Tasting Water Has Been Plaguing Some NJ Residents — Now They Know Why
Strange Tasting Water Has Been Plaguing Some NJ Residents — Now They Know Why Residents served by one New Jersey American Water system have been raising their eyebrows—and their glasses—after an unusual taste and smell in their water surfaced earlier this month. New Jersey American Water has since confirmed the culprit: a potent mix of fragrance and flavor compounds stemming from a Dec. 16 leak. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) revealed that the leak came from a local repackaging facility handling essential oils, fragrances, and flavorings, impacting those served by the Raritan System in Branchburg.  The compounds, though harmless,…
State Worker Steals $130K From Mom Who Killed Both Sons Then Fled To NJ For Drugs: DA State Worker Steals $130K From Mom Who Killed Both Sons Then Fled To NJ For Drugs: DA
State Worker Steals $130K From Mom Who Killed Both Sons Then Fled To NJ For Drugs: DA A Philadelphia woman stole over $130,000 from a former Norristown State Hospital resident who was convicted of murdering her two young sons, using the funds for personal expenses, including a Puerto Rico vacation, officials announced on Monday, Dec. 23. Bridget Nicole Compton, 51, is accused of stealing $132,480.01 from the TD Ameritrade account of Trinh Nguyen, a former Norristown State Hospital resident, officials in Bucks County, PA said. Nguyen is currently serving two life sentences for fatally shooting her sons, 13-year-old Jeffrey “JT” Tini and 9-year-old Nelson Tini, in their Upper M…
Morris Plains Property Manager Accused Of 'Elaborate' $1M Fraud Scheme: Prosecutor's Office Morris Plains Property Manager Accused Of 'Elaborate' $1M Fraud Scheme: Prosecutor's Office
Martinia Heath Accused Of $1M Fraud Scheme In Union County A Morris Plains woman is facing charges for allegedly orchestrating what was described as an "elaborate" $1 million fraud scheme while managing a condominium complex, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced Monday. Martinia Heath, 43, has been arrested and facing multiple charges in connection to the scheme, which ran between 2019 and 2023, according to authorities. In total, she pocketed more than $1 million. Investigators say Heath falsified records and fabricated invoices while employed as the on-site property manager at the Mountain Club Condominium complex in Morris County…
Massive Fire Battles Subzero Temps, Draws Response From 12 Departments In Sussex County Massive Fire Battles Subzero Temps, Draws Response From 12 Departments In Sussex County
Massive Fire Battles Subzero Temps, Draws Response From 12 Departments In Sussex County Firefighters from across Sussex County joined forces early Monday, Dec. 23, to battle a massive structure fire. The Sussex County Sheriff’s 911 Center began receiving calls about the blaze at the in the Carriage Acres development of Hampton Township, around 7:50 a.m., Hampton Township Fire & Rescue reported. Smoke was visible from all sides of the building when Chief 48-1 arrived on the scene. The chief confirmed the fire to dispatch, triggering a multi-agency response. Hampton Fire’s 48Engine2 was the first unit to arrive, deploying several lines to knock down the flames and prote…
NJ 'Hot Shot' Murderess Found Dead In PA Prison Cell 3 Days After Probation Violation Arrest NJ 'Hot Shot' Murderess Found Dead In PA Prison Cell 3 Days After Probation Violation Arrest
NJ 'Hot Shot' Murderess Found Dead In PA Prison Cell 3 Days After Probation Violation Arrest A New Jersey woman convicted of murder, who admitted to injecting a man with a fatal mix of cocaine and bleach, was found dead in her cell at the State Correctional Institution at Muncy, officials announced. Lisa Marie Stavish, 41, a Passaic, NJ native, was discovered unresponsive in her cell on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, according to Wendy Nicholas, superintendent of SCI Muncy. Prison staff attempted life-saving measures until emergency responders arrived, but Stavish was pronounced dead at 6:07 a.m. Stavish was serving a 7-to-20-year sentence for third-degree murder in the death of David…
Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser
Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment, is suing one of his accusers, a Northern Westchester native, for defamation.  Cuomo, age 67, filed the lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court on Thursday, Dec. 19 against former staffer Charlotte Bennett, a Northern Westchester native, who accused the former governor of sexual harassment in 2021.  Bennett had previously filed a federal lawsuit against former Gov. Cuomo in September 2022. However, she voluntarily dropped the lawsuit on Monday, Dec. 9, saying in a joint statement …
Livvy Dunne Cheers On NJ Devils During Holiday Visit Home Livvy Dunne Cheers On NJ Devils During Holiday Visit Home
Livvy Dunne Cheers On NJ Devils During Holiday Visit Home Livvy Dunne is home for the holidays—and cheering on the New Jersey Devils. The LSU gymnast and social media star was spotted at the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, Dec. 23, supporting the Devils as they faced off against the New York Rangers. Dunne, a Hillsdale native who trained at ENA in Paramus growing up, showed love for the Devils on Instagram, sharing a selfie in a team jersey. She shared a video from the stands during the first period. The Devil were clearly inspired by her presence as they crushed their biggest rival 5-0, with Jack Hughes leading the way with two goals.&nbs…
Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger
Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger Two of the world's biggest automakers may soon become one. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to discuss a potential merger aimed at revolutionizing the future of mobility and electrification.  Announced on Monday, Dec. 23, the goal is to establish a joint holding company that could significantly impact the automotive landscape, and potentially make the combined corporation the world's third-largest auto manufacturer. The merger aims to accelerate initiatives for carbon neutrality and zero traffic fatalities by pooling reso…
$944M Christmas Eve Miracle? Major Mega Millions Jackpot Eyed Across America $944M Christmas Eve Miracle? Major Mega Millions Jackpot Eyed Across America
$944M Christmas Eve Miracle? Major Mega Millions Jackpot Eyed Across America Some Lottery players are hopeful that Santa leaves a $944 million present under the Christmas tree this year. The Mega Millions jackpot is wrapping up the holiday season with a jaw-dropping prize estimated at $944 million - with a $429.4 million cash option - for the drawing on Tuesday, Dec. 24, making it the seventh-largest jackpot in the game’s history, just in time to pay off some holiday bills. No ticket hit the jackpot in Friday night’s drawing, and now, the odds-defying prize could make someone’s holiday dreams come true.  Two of the top 10 largest Mega Millions jackpots ever hi…
Newly Minted Multi-Millionaire! Ticket Sold In Essex County Wins Big Newly Minted Multi-Millionaire! Ticket Sold In Essex County Wins Big
Newly Minted Multi-Millionaire! Ticket Sold In Essex County Wins Big A Powerball player in Essex County is having a very happy, and lucrative holidays. A ticket sold in Nutley matched five white balls and the multiplier to win $2 million in the drawing held on Saturday, Dec. 21. The ticket was bought at Lucky 7 Deli and Food Mart at 397 Centre St. The winning numbers were 01, 12, 17, 21, 58. The Powerball was 01 and the Power Play was 3X.
NJ's $1.13B Lotto Winner Comes Forward After Months Of Mystery, Officials Say NJ's $1.13B Lotto Winner Comes Forward After Months Of Mystery, Officials Say
NJ's $1.13B Lotto Winner Comes Forward After Months Of Mystery, Officials Say The winner of the largest lottery jackpot in the Garden State's history has finally claimed their prize nearly nine months later, officials said. A New Jersey resident has officially submitted their winning ticket in the $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release on Monday, Dec. 23. The winner was purchased at ShopRite Wine & Spirits on Route 66 in Neptune Township in the drawing on Tuesday, Mar. 26. The ticket matched all five numbers—7, 11, 22, 29, 38—plus the Mega Ball of 4, securing the fifth-largest jackpot in Mega Million…
Forgotten On The Bus: 4-Year-Old Girl Never Made It To School, NJ Mom Demands Answers Forgotten On The Bus: 4-Year-Old Girl Never Made It To School, NJ Mom Demands Answers
Forgotten On The Bus: 4-Year-Old Girl Never Made It To School, NJ Mom Demands Answers A 4-year-old New Jersey girl was left on a school bus for nearly six hours in what her mother is calling a traumatic and preventable incident. Darielle Lugo said her daughter, Makani, was supposed to arrive at the Bargaintown Preschool in Egg Harbor Township around 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, after being put on the bus by her father.  But Makani never made it to class. The ordeal came to light when Darielle’s husband arrived at the school around 2:05 p.m. for a class party. After signing in with security, he discovered Makani had been marked absent. “I thought it was a joke…
Professor Sexually Harassed Student At Essex County Community College: Prosecutor Professor Sexually Harassed Student At Essex County Community College: Prosecutor
Professor Sexually Harassed Student At Essex County Community College: Prosecutor A professor at Essex County College in Newark was arrested and charged on Monday, Dec. 23 with criminal sexual contact against a student, authorities said. Gnanaseharan Selliah, a West Orange resident and adjunct professor at the school, engaged in sexually inappropriate contact with an adult student last month, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens and Essex County College Department Chief of Police Anthony Cromartie said. Seliah is also an ESL teacher at Bloomfield High School and taught at St. Peters University, according to his Linkedin.  The news comes days after Be…
Woman Burned In Space Heater Fire: NJSP Woman Burned In Space Heater Fire: NJSP
Woman Burned In Space Heater Fire: Njsp A 67-year-old woman was burned following a space heater fire in Sussex County on Thursday, Dec. 19, authorities said. At 9:25 p.m., officers responded to a residence on Oak Ridge Road in Montague Township and transported the woman to the hospital, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said. The woman had non-life-threatening injuries, Lebron said. The fire remains under investigation, Lebron said.
Batman Fan At Large After Removing Sign In Morristown: Sheriff's Office Batman Fan At Large After Removing Sign In Morristown: Sheriff's Office
Batman Fan At Large After Removing Sign In Morristown: Sheriff's Office If he's not found soon, Morris County might have to call in the World's Greatest Detective. A man is at large after he damaged a sign at a business in Morristown on Saturday, Nov. 2, authorities said. At 12:25 a.m., a man wearing a Batman shirt was observed on surveillance video removing a plastic A-Frame sign from Prime Tobacco Zone at 45 South St, the Morris County Sheriff's Office said. He was also wearing a dark baseball cap, blue jeans, and dark boots with white soles, authorities said. After removing the sign he proceeded down South Street toward Community Place, stumbling as he…
Franklin Man Gets 3 Years For Firing Shots Onto Neighbor's Property: Sussex County Prosecutor Franklin Man Gets 3 Years For Firing Shots Onto Neighbor's Property: Sussex County Prosecutor
Franklin Man Gets 3 Years For Firing Shots Onto Neighbor's Property: Sussex County Prosecutor A 53-year-old Franklin Borough man was sentenced to three years in prison on Wednesday, Dec. 18 after he pleaded guilty to firing gunshots that damaged his neighbor's property, authorities said. On Saturday, July. 27, officers arrived on Corkhill Road and determined Kevin Kaye was intoxicated when he was handling the rifle, causing damage to his neighbor's fence, above-ground pool, children's clubhouse and garage, Franklin Borough police said.  The residents and their children were in the yard and swimming pool at the time shots were fired, police said. Kaye pleaded guilty to unlawful…