Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open
Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots has announced a major development following its September bankruptcy filing. The discount retail chain says it's entered a strategic agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners and Variety Wholesalers to preserve the brand, save thousands of jobs, and keep hundreds of stores open. Variety Wholesalers, known for its portfolio of retail brands, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots locations, along with up to two distribution centers. There are about 1,400 Big Lots stores nationwide. The transition ensures Big Lots can transfer key assets and maintain continuity of its br…
Commercial Township Man Asked Second Girl For Sexual Pics, Videos On Snapchat: Prosecutors Commercial Township Man Asked Second Girl For Sexual Pics, Videos On Snapchat: Prosecutors
Commercial Township Man Asked Second Girl For Sexual Pics, Videos On Snapchat: Prosecutors A Commercial Township man was facing more charges after he was accused of soliciting sexual pictures and videos from a teen girl in northern Pennsylvania, authorities said. Michael Romig, 29, was additionally charged on Monday, Dec. 23, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said in a news release. He was arrested on Friday, Dec. 13 after facing similar accusations involving a 10-year-old girl in Ohio. A Galeton, PA, mother contacted the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office on Thursday, Dec. 19 to report her 15-year-old daughter had been in "an online rel…
'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change 'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change
'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change The start of the New Year will bring a big change in the weather pattern with the return of wintry weather. The shift will come after a New Year's Eve storm system that will bring rain, some of which will be heavy at times late Tuesday night, Dec. 31 into the early morning hours of New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1, according to the National Weather Service. "The first exploits of colder air will begin during the middle and latter part of next week in the wake of a storm that transitions the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025," according to AccuWeather. "But then, as the jet stream dip…
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds In an era of 24/7 news cycles and social media saturation, most Americans are stepping back from political news to combat fatigue and information overload.
 According to a brand-new nationwide poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 65 percent of adults feel the need to limit their consumption of government and political news.
 This sentiment crosses party lines, but Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to feel overwhelmed (72 percent vs. 59 percent). Additionally, 50 percent of respondents cited the need to cut back on news about overseas conflicts.
 Around…
New Dad Who Killed Co-Worker On Lunch Break In Her NJ Apartment Has Appeal Denied New Dad Who Killed Co-Worker On Lunch Break In Her NJ Apartment Has Appeal Denied
New Dad Who Killed Co-Worker On Lunch Break In Her NJ Apartment Has Appeal Denied An appellate court rejected the appeal of a 35-year-old man convicted of killing his 26-year-old coworker in 2019 and conspiring to additional killings while in jail, court records show. Kenneth C. Saal is serving a 45-year prison sentence for killing Carolyn Byington when she returned home to Plainsboro apartment during her lunch break in June 2019, and a 10-year consecutive sentence for conspiring to kill another young woman, records show. Saal and Byington had been working together at Engine US in West Windsor, and Saal was married with a new baby at home. Saal, of Lindenwold, stole…
Human Remains Were Found In Refrigerator In NJ Forest — Now Police Need Help Identifying Them Human Remains Were Found In Refrigerator In NJ Forest — Now Police Need Help Identifying Them
Human Remains Were Found In Refrigerator In NJ Forest — Now Police Need Help Identifying Them A disturbing discovery in Belleplain State Forest has left investigators searching for answers—and the public’s help. On Sunday, Dec. 22, human remains were found in a refrigerator in the forest, and authorities believe they belong to a Caucasian or Hispanic woman, approximately 5'1" tall.  Investigators are relying on distinctive clues to identify her: A koi fish tattoo on her upper right back (shoulder blade area) A rose tattoo stretching from her left ribs to her hip A unique yoga mat and a necklace, both found near the remains The tattoos and items recovered have been shared with…
Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100 Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100
Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100 The longest living president in US history, Jimmy Carter, has died at the age of 100. The death of the 39th chief executive was announced by the Carter Center. He died Sunday afternoon, Dec. 29 at his residence in his lifelong hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he was born in October 1924. James Earl Carter Jr., was the first ex-president to reach the age of 100. Carter, then the Democratic governor of Georgia who had worked as a peanut farmer, defeated Gerald Ford in the 1976 race, the first presidential election after Richard Nixon's resignation in August 1974 following the Watergate af…
Woman Found Dead In Lagoon Behind Little Egg Harbor Township Home: Prosecutor Woman Found Dead In Lagoon Behind Little Egg Harbor Township Home: Prosecutor
Woman Found Dead In Lagoon Behind Little Egg Harbor Township Home: Prosecutor An elderly woman was found dead in a lagoon behind a residence on North Boom Street in Little Egg Harbor Township, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on Sunday, Dec. 29. Officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to a report of a female floating in the lagoon at approximately 7:45 a.m., Prosecutor Billhimer said. Upon arrival, officers removed the woman’s body from the water. The incident is being investigated by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Cr…
Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm
Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm The start of the New Year will be a super soaker for many, including revelers in New York City for the traditional countdown and drop of the ball in Times Square. Click here for a new, updated story - 'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change The storm, which AccuWeather meteorologists call “a trouble-making setup for the Northeast,” will occur from Tuesday night, Dec. 31, into around noontime on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1. “That brewing storm will likely bring drenching rain from North Carolina to Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland…
ER Nurse Returning From Work ID'd By Grieving Family As Victim Of Wrong-Way DUI NJ Crash ER Nurse Returning From Work ID'd By Grieving Family As Victim Of Wrong-Way DUI NJ Crash
ER Nurse Returning From Work ID'd By Grieving Family As Victim Of Wrong-Way DUI NJ Crash Anne Rasmussen dedicated her life to helping others, but her own was cut short when a suspected drunk driver caused a wrong-way crash on Route 70 early Friday morning, Dec. 27. Rasmussen, 58, of Whiting, was identified by her family on a GoFundMe campaign as an emergency room nurse on her way home from work when the Brick Township crash occurred, "killing her instantly." "She spent a lot of her life dedicated to helping people working as an ER nurse," Rasmussen's daughter, Kelly Kracsun wrote on the campaign. She would take the shirt off her back for absolutely anyone and would do anything …
Charles Dolan, Founder Of HBO, Cablevision, Dies At 98 Charles Dolan, Founder Of HBO, Cablevision, Dies At 98
Charles Dolan, Founder Of HBO, Cablevision, Dies At 98 Charles Francis Dolan, a pioneer in the cable television industry and founder of HBO and Cablevision, died at 98. Dolan died Thursday, Dec. 28, of natural causes. Born Oct. 16, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dolan began his career producing and distributing sports and industrial films. In the early 1960s, he founded Sterling Manhattan Cable, the first company to wire buildings for cable access in New York City. This led to exclusive deals with teams like the New York Knicks and Rangers. In 1972, he launched HBO, the first premium cable channel, changing television by offering uncut movies and …
Faulty Heating System Blamed In PA Carbon Monoxide Leak Killing Actress Dayle Haddon Faulty Heating System Blamed In PA Carbon Monoxide Leak Killing Actress Dayle Haddon
Faulty Heating System Blamed In PA Carbon Monoxide Leak Killing Actress Dayle Haddon A faulty flue and exhaust pipe on a gas heating system caused the deadly carbon monoxide leak that claimed the life of actress and model Dayle Haddon and critically injured another person in Solebury Township, authorities revealed Saturday, Dec. 28. Haddon, 76, was found unresponsive in a second-floor bedroom of a residence on the 6900 block of Phillips Mill Road Friday morning. She was pronounced dead at 7:22 a.m. by EMS responders, according to the Bucks County Coroner’s Office. The second victim, identified as 76-year-old Walter J. Blucas of Erie, Pennsylvania, was found unconscious on…
Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar
Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar Federal authorities have issued a nationwide warning after the recall of a popular candy bar. Gardners Candies, based in Tyrone, PA, has voluntarily recalled its Cappuccino Meltaway Bars due to undeclared tree nuts (cashews), posing a serious risk to those with allergies. What to Know: Affected Products: 1.25-ounce packages of Cappuccino Meltaway Bars. Distribution: Sold across the country through retail stores and mail orders starting Sunday, Sept. 1. Packaging: The bars are in white plastic wrappers marked with lot #082725 and an expiration date of Aug. 27, 2025. They can also be found …
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the the first severe bird flu case in the US that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird sam…
Black Moon To Darken Skies As Year Ends: Here's When To Watch Black Moon To Darken Skies As Year Ends: Here's When To Watch
Black Moon To Darken Skies As Year Ends: Here's When To Watch Stargazers are in for a rare celestial treat as a Black Moon graces the skies, offering perfect conditions for night-sky observation.  This event occurs when two new moons fall within a single calendar month, with the second earning the “Black Moon” designation. The phenomenon will take place on Monday, Dec. 30, enhancing the darkness of the night sky as the moon becomes invisible during its new phase.  The best time to enjoy this darker sky is anytime after sunset, when the sky is fully dark.  With no lunar light, stars, constellations, and planets will shine more vividly,…
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 27 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $1.15 billion (with a B) and a $516.1 million cash option. The winning numbers were 03-07-37-49-55 with a Mega Ball of 06 and a Megaplier of 3X. 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,…
ESPN Legend Goes Head-To-Head With Dave Portnoy Over Hairline Roast ESPN Legend Goes Head-To-Head With Dave Portnoy Over Hairline Roast
ESPN Legend Goes Head-To-Head With Dave Portnoy Over Hairline Roast ESPN legend Scott Van Pelt wasn’t about to let Barstool Sports CEO Dave Portnoy get a head start on mocking a college athlete’s hairline. During the Pittsburgh Panthers’ Thursday, Dec. 26 game against the Toledo Rockets, Portnoy zeroed in on offensive lineman Ryan Baer’s thinning locks after a grueling six-overtime showdown.  “This 6OT game just blessed us with this hairline,” Portnoy said of the 22-year-old athlete. “How old are college kids again?” The viral tweet racked up 9.6 million views, but Brookeville, MD's Van Pelt—who has embraced his own baldness with pride—wasn’t here for…
Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78 Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78
Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78 Greg Gumbel, a distinguished sports broadcaster renowned for his extensive career with CBS Sports, has died at the age of 78. A cause of death has not yet been released. Gumbel's career spanned several decades, during which he became a familiar and trusted voice in American sports broadcasting.  He was particularly known for his work as a play-by-play announcer for NFL games and as the studio host for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. His calm demeanor and professionalism endeared him to colleagues and audiences alike. Gumbel's contributions to sports broadcasting were significan…
Seven People Injured, Two Children Critical In Central Jersey Crash: Police Seven People Injured, Two Children Critical In Central Jersey Crash: Police
Seven People Injured, Two Children Critical In Central Jersey Crash: Police Two children were critically injured in a two-vehicle crash in Lawrence Township that caused injuries to seven people, authorities said. Lawrence Township police responded to the intersection of Brunswick Pike and Darrah Lane at around 11:19 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, the department said in a news release. Officers arrived on the scene to find the children, ages 11 and 5, unconscious and unresponsive in the backseat of one vehicle. Paramedics rushed them to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton where they remained in critical condition. Five others sustai…
Jersey Shore Native Could Make First Start At QB For Philadelphia Eagles Jersey Shore Native Could Make First Start At QB For Philadelphia Eagles
Jersey Shore Native Could Make First Start At QB For Philadelphia Eagles A Monmouth County native is getting ready to potentially start his first game for a team not too far away from his hometown. Ocean Township High School graduate Kenny Pickett is in line to start at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles in their week 17 game at home against the Dallas Cowboys.  Primary starter Jalen Hurts remained in the concussion protocol after the Eagles lost to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Dec. 22. "It’s going to be tough for him to make it this week," head coach Nick Sirianni said about Hurts at a news conference on Friday, Dec. 27. Pickett’s rise from …
Supermodel Dayle Haddon Killed In Suspected PA Carbon Monoxide Leak Supermodel Dayle Haddon Killed In Suspected PA Carbon Monoxide Leak
Supermodel Dayle Haddon Killed In Suspected PA Carbon Monoxide Leak Dayle Haddon, a celebrated Canadian actress, model, and humanitarian, has been identified as the victim of a fatal carbon monoxide leak at a Solebury Township residence, authorities confirmed. The tragedy unfolded Friday morning, Dec. 28, at a home on the 6900 block of Phillips Mill Road. Emergency responders were called to the property around 6:31 a.m. after Bucks County 911 received a report of an unconscious man on the first floor of a detached office/in-law suite, police said. The 76-year-old man was removed from the building by the New Hope Lambertville Rescue Squad and transported to…
'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas 'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas
'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas Christmas brought a romantic twist for Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt, who announced their engagement on Thursday, Dec. 26.  Hannity popped the question during a special moment at their church, marking the culmination of their five-year relationship, Fox News reports. “We are overjoyed and so thankful to our families for all of their love and support during this wonderful time in our lives,” the couple said in a statement to Fox News, radiating joy as they celebrated the milestone. Hannity, 62, has deep roots on Long Island, where he grew up in Franklin Square. Start…
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NJ Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NJ
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NJ A popular frozen vegetable product is being recalled due to undeclared milk allergens, posing a risk to individuals with milk allergies. Key Details: Company: Lidl Product Name: “Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables” Product Details: 10.5 oz box, UPC 4 056489 122876 Distribution Period: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 to Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 States Affected: Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia Consumer Action: Do not consume the product. Return it to any Lidl store for a full refund; no rece…
18-Year-Old Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft Now On Worldwide Stage For Team USA 18-Year-Old Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft Now On Worldwide Stage For Team USA
18-Year-Old Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft Now On Worldwide Stage For Team USA A native New Yorker projected to be the first pick in this year's National Hockey League is displaying his talents on a worldwide stage. Long Island resident James Hagens had two goals and two assists on Thursday, Dec. 26 as Team USA opened play at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championships with a 10-4 win over Germany in front of over 13,000 fans in Ottawa, Ontario. Hagens' second goal, which he fired in from the slot, gave Team USA a 4-2 lead with six minutes to go in the second period. Hagens, who plays center, had the primary assist on the team's sec…
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month For the second time in a month a stowaway was caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, sparking concerns. The flight, from Seattle to Honolulu, was preparing for takeoff when crew members discovered the unticketed passenger onboard, leading to the plane returning to the gate on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Delta Airlines said that safety protocols were followed, resulting in the passenger’s removal and subsequent detention by law enforcement. The identity of the person has not been released. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed…
Big Lots Laying Off 385 NJ Employees As Stores Close: Here's Where Big Lots Laying Off 385 NJ Employees As Stores Close: Here's Where
Big Lots Laying Off 385 NJ Employees As Stores Close: Here's Where Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business, which means hundreds of workers are about to lose their jobs. 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. According to a WARN notice, 385 New Jersey employees will be out of work by Feb. 28, 2025. The layoffs will be in Somers Point, Edgewater Park, North Cape May, Toms River, Clifton, Brickton, South Plainfield, West Deptford, Sicklerville, Middletown, Dover, Barnegat, Cape May Court…
$2M NJ Christmas Powerball: Back-To-Back Winners Both Sold In Garden State $2M NJ Christmas Powerball: Back-To-Back Winners Both Sold In Garden State
$2M NJ Christmas Powerball: Back-To-Back Winners Both Sold In Garden State A lucky New Jersey Lottery player scored $2 million in the Christmas Powerball drawing, matching five white balls and the multiplier, according to lottery officials. The winning numbers from the Wednesday, Dec. 25 drawing were 15, 26, 27, 30, 35, with the Powerball 03 and Power Play 3X. The winning ticket was sold by Jackpot.com, a Middlesex County-based courier. This $2 million prize comes just days after another $2 million Powerball win in the Friday, Dec. 20 drawing. That ticket was sold at Lucky 7 Deli, located at 397 Centre St., Nutley, in Essex County. While nobody claimed the j…
Netflix Drops Trailer For 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filmed In New Jersey (VIDEO) Netflix Drops Trailer For 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filmed In New Jersey (VIDEO)
Netflix Drops Trailer For 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filmed In New Jersey (Video) Get ready to go back to the golf course. Netflix delivered an unexpected Christmas/Hanukkah present to "Happy Gilmore" fans on Wednesday, Dec. 25, unveiling the 30-second teaser trailer for the much anticipated sequel, "Happy Gilmore 2" starring Adam Sandler, which will be released next year and was filmed throughout New Jersey. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adam Sandler (@adamsandler) The trailer reveals the movie will have cameos from Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and rapper Bad Bunny, while also promising the ret…
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…
NYC Taxi Jumps Curb: 9-Year-Old Boy Among 6 Struck On Christmas, NYPD Says (UPDATE) NYC Taxi Jumps Curb: 9-Year-Old Boy Among 6 Struck On Christmas, NYPD Says (UPDATE)
NYC Taxi Jumps Curb: 9-Year-Old Boy Among 6 Struck On Christmas, Nypd Says (Update) A 9-year-old boy was among three people hospitalized when a taxi drove up onto the sidewalk and plowed into six pedestrians on Christmas Day in New York City, the NYPD says. The 58-year-old male taxi cab driver was heading north when his vehicle went onto the sidewalk at 34th Street and struck the six people just before 4 p.m., a spokesperson for the NYPD said.  Among those injured were a 9-year-old boy who suffered a cut on his right thigh, a 19-year-old female, a 37-year-old female, a 41-year-old female, and two 49-year-old women, one of whom suffered a leg injury.  Police did …
Future Of Joy Ripped Away By Fire For Officer, Wife, New Baby In Camden County Future Of Joy Ripped Away By Fire For Officer, Wife, New Baby In Camden County
Future Of Joy Ripped Away By Fire For Officer, Wife, New Baby In Camden County What began as a promising year for Camden County Police Officer Salomon Andre and his family took a heartbreaking turn when a devastating fire ripped through their home last week, leaving them displaced and without their belongings just days before the holidays. The fire broke out on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at approximately 3:12 PM, in the Clementon section of Gloucester Township.  Emergency responders from Blackwood, Chews Landing, Erial, Lambs Terrace, Pine Hill, and Winslow fire departments battled the blaze, bringing it under control with assistance from Inspira BLS, Volunteers of Americ…