Two NJ Cities Among Worst For Fourth Of July Celebrations, New Study Says: Here's Why Two NJ Cities Among Worst For Fourth Of July Celebrations, New Study Says: Here's Why
Two NJ Cities Among Worst For Fourth Of July Celebrations, New Study Says: Here's Why Northeast cities have some of the best and worst Fourth of July celebrations in the nation, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2026 list of Best & Worst Places for Fourth of July Celebrations on Wednesday, June 24. The study scored the 100 largest US cities on 18 factors, including food and hotel prices, fireworks shows, attractions, safety, walkability, and weather. Data came from public records, tourism offices, and national databases as of Wednesday, May 27. "The Fourth of July is one of the most beloved holidays in America, allowing many of us to not only celebrate ou…
'Mom' Heard Before Parents Executed, Daughter Charged: DA 'Mom' Heard Before Parents Executed, Daughter Charged: DA
'Mom' Heard Before Parents Executed, Daughter Charged: DA Chilling new details have emerged more than three years after a Pennsylvania couple and the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont, allegedly by suspects with ties to a cult-like group, have been arrested. Michelle Jacqueline Zajko, 33, of Media, Pennsylvania, has been charged with murdering her parents, Richard and Rita Zajko, after a years-long Pennsylvania State Police investigation uncovered digital, ballistic, financial, and surveillance evidence tying her to the killings, Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse announced on Wednesday, June 24. Richard Zajko, 72, and …
Feds Name Spotswood Pharmacy Owner In $20.7M Medicare Kickback Scheme Feds Name Spotswood Pharmacy Owner In $20.7M Medicare Kickback Scheme
Feds Name Spotswood Pharmacy Owner In $20.7M Medicare Kickback Scheme Four people with New Jersey ties were charged as part of a nationwide health care fraud crackdown that federal authorities say involved more than $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, officials announced Tuesday, June 23. The takedown was part of the Justice Department's 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which resulted in charges against 455 defendants nationwide, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. Among those charged was Ashlee Maixner, 39, of Lakehurst, an advanced practice nurse …
Dunkin' Launches Fourth Of July Menu With Patriotic Treats: See What's On It Dunkin' Launches Fourth Of July Menu With Patriotic Treats: See What's On It
Dunkin' Launches Fourth Of July Menu With Patriotic Treats: See What's On It Dunkin' is celebrating the nation's 250th birthday with several patriotic drinks, treats, and collectible merchandise. The chain's Fourth of July-themed menu launched nationwide on Wednesday, June 24. Dunkin's lineup features colorful beverages inspired by summertime flavors, along with festive donuts decorated in red, white, and blue. The rollout is also highlighted by the Eagle Cup, which will be available nationwide on Monday, June 29, while supplies last. The cup costs $10.99 and includes a free medium beverage, along with a promotional code that unlocks $3 medium Refreshers o…
Major Retailer Adding Bath & Body Works Products In Huge Partnership Major Retailer Adding Bath & Body Works Products In Huge Partnership
Major Retailer Adding Bath & Body Works Products In Huge Partnership Some of the country's most popular body care and home fragrance products will soon be available at a major beauty retailer. Bath & Body Works announced a new partnership with Ulta Beauty in a news release on Tuesday, June 23. A special selection of Bath & Body Works products will launch in participating Ulta stores nationwide and on the chain's website starting on Sunday, July 12. The collaboration marks a major expansion for Bath & Body Works as the company looks to reach customers beyond its own stores and digital platforms. "We're continuing to expand our…
Obama Slams Trump’s ‘Strange Obsession’ With Him: Watch Obama Slams Trump’s ‘Strange Obsession’ With Him: Watch
Obama Slams Trump’s ‘Strange Obsession’ With Him: Watch A long-running political rivalry is getting a fresh round of blunt words. Former President Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump’s repeated focus on him during a new interview on the "All the Smoke" podcast, hosted by Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, which can be viewed here. The episode was recorded at the newly unveiled Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side. Obama was asked about Trump’s frequent attacks and references to him. "The thing about it is, look, you’ve gotta ask him what it is. ... The obsession. I obviously have a room in his head. A suite in his head,” …
23-Year-Old Killed In Route 138 Crash: Wall Twp PD 23-Year-Old Killed In Route 138 Crash: Wall Twp PD
23-Year-Old Killed In Route 138 Crash: Wall Twp PD A 23-year-old Kearny resident was killed in a crash in Wall Township Wednesday morning, June 24, authorities said. At 1:47 a.m., officers responded to a crash on the ramp, on the ramp connecting State Highway 138 East to State Highway 35 North after a black 2019 Chevrolet Trax ran off the roadway, struck a guardrail, signage and a light pole before overturning, Wall Township police said.  Officers found the vehicle positioned deep within the wood line along the embankment, police said. The driver, who was not identified, was found unresponsive but breathing, police said. He was t…
Walmart Deal Days Are Back Walmart Deal Days Are Back
Walmart Deal Days Are Back This is not the week to casually open a shopping app unless you are prepared to meet a discounted vacuum, a patio upgrade, or a dorm-room essential that somehow jumps straight into your cart. Walmart Deals runs from Monday, June 22, through Sunday, June 28, with thousands of offers online, in the Walmart app, and in stores nationwide, according to the Bentonville, AR-based retailer. Shoppers can browse the latest Walmart Deals including savings on electronics, fashion, toys, collectibles, furniture, skincare and early back-to-school finds. This year, Walmart Deals overlaps with Amazon Prim…
Child Drowning Deaths Rising, New Federal Report Reveals: What To Know Child Drowning Deaths Rising, New Federal Report Reveals: What To Know
Child Drowning Deaths Rising, New Federal Report Reveals: What To Know Federal regulators are warning about a rise in young children drowning as families spend more time around the water during the summer. A total of 379 children younger than 15 died by drowning in pool- or spa-related incidents in 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a report released on Wednesday, June 24. That was up 6% from 359 deaths reported in 2022. The increase comes as drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 4. "This year's report makes clear that these tragedies continue to take an unacceptable toll on American families," sai…
19-Year-Old Killed In Garden State Parkway Crash After Car Strikes Trees: NJSP 19-Year-Old Killed In Garden State Parkway Crash After Car Strikes Trees: NJSP
19-Year-Old Killed In Garden State Parkway Crash After Car Strikes Trees: Njsp A 19-year-old Haddon Township woman was killed in a crash on the Garden State Parkway in Ocean County Tuesday evening, June 23, authorities said. At 8:22 p.m., a Honda passenger vehicle was traveling south on the Garden State Parkway in Lacey Township when the driver lost directional control of the car, ran off the roadway to the right and struck multiple trees, Christopher Postorino, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said. Emma Forker was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, Postorino said. The driver of the Honda sustained moderate injuries and was transpor…
Hookup Turns Deadly: NY Woman Indicted For Killing Sleeping Man In Parents' Home (UPDATE) Hookup Turns Deadly: NY Woman Indicted For Killing Sleeping Man In Parents' Home (UPDATE)
Hookup Turns Deadly: NY Woman Indicted For Killing Sleeping Man In Parents' Home (Update) What police describe as a hookup gone wrong ended with a Long Island man dead in his father's arms and a woman now indicted on a murder charge. Kristin Sculley, 22, of Massapequa, was arraigned Wednesday, June 24, on a grand jury indictment charging her with Murder 2nd Degree in the death of Robert "Bobby" Michael Carragher III, 28, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced. Investigators said Carragher and Sculley met up at a bar before returning to the Beaumont Avenue home in Massapequa that he shared with his parents. At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Monday, June 1, Sculley b…
Mother, 1-Year-Old Daughter Missing In Philadelphia: Police Mother, 1-Year-Old Daughter Missing In Philadelphia: Police
Mother, 1-Year-Old Daughter Missing In Philadelphia: Police A Philadelphia mother and her 1-year-old daughter who had been reported missing have been found safe, police announced. Raquel Smith, 30, and Adrianna Stowe, 1, had been reported missing after they were last seen on Sunday, May 4, at their home on the 4100 block of Parkside Avenue, according to the Philadelphia Police Department. Police issued a public appeal earlier on Friday seeking help locating the mother and daughter. Authorities said Raquel was known to frequent the Kensington section of the city. The Philadelphia Police Department later announced that Raquel Smith and Adrianna Stowe…
NJ Man Met Girl For Sex: Ocean County Prosecutor NJ Man Met Girl For Sex: Ocean County Prosecutor
NJ Man Met Girl For Sex: Ocean County Prosecutor A 24-year-old Neptune City man was arrested and charged after he traveled to Manchester Township to meet a girl to have sex, authorities announced Wednesday, June 24. In April, Jake Hessels contacted a girl who lived in Manchester over Snapchat, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. After conversing and exchanging sexually explicit photographs electronically, Hessels met up with the girl and engaged in inappropriate sexual activity, Billhimer said. Hessels was taken into custody on Tuesday, June 2 and charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, possession of child sexu…
Unpredictable June Bootids Meteor Shower Set To Peak Unpredictable June Bootids Meteor Shower Set To Peak
Unpredictable June Bootids Meteor Shower Set To Peak The night sky is lining up one of its harder-to-predict shows. The June Bootids meteor shower is active through Thursday, July 2, and is expected to peak overnight Friday, June 26, into Saturday, June 27. The shower is usually quiet, producing only a few meteors per hour. But it has earned a reputation for surprises. Space.com reported that the June Bootids produced an outburst of up to 100 meteors per hour in 1998. Another burst in 2004 produced about 20 to 50 meteors per hour. A predicted outburst in 2010 did not happen, adding to the shower’s unpredictable reputation. ABC News report…
Here's How Much Fourth Of July Costs Are Rising In 2026: New Study Here's How Much Fourth Of July Costs Are Rising In 2026: New Study
Here's How Much Fourth Of July Costs Are Rising In 2026: New Study The nation's 250th birthday celebration is coming with higher costs due to rising inflation and the ongoing effects of the US-Israeli war with Iran. WalletHub released its annual 4th of July Facts & Figures report on Wednesday, June 24. The personal finance website estimates Americans will spend $9.4 billion on Fourth of July food, up from $8.9 billion in 2025. In 2026, the Fourth of July also marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Semiquincentennial will arrive with countless local, regional, and national events celebrating the …
Headstone Scammer Duped Grieving NJ Families, Feds Say: Now He's Facing 152 Years In Prison Headstone Scammer Duped Grieving NJ Families, Feds Say: Now He's Facing 152 Years In Prison
Headstone Scammer Duped Grieving NJ Families, Feds Say: Now He's Facing 152 Years In Prison A Pennsylvania man admitted to defrauding hundreds of grieving families out of more than $1.7 million through his headstone businesses, including a South Jersey mother who ordered a memorial for her slain son and never received it, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday, June 23. Gregory J. Stefan Jr., 56, of Upper Merion, pleaded guilty in federal court in Philadelphia to seven counts of wire fraud and four counts of filing a false tax return, according to U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. Among Stefan's victims was Luz Vasquez, whose 31-year-old son, Chad Stuart, was fatally shot outside a Vine…
NJ Man Beat 2-Month-Old Daughter Dead: Prosecutor NJ Man Beat 2-Month-Old Daughter Dead: Prosecutor
NJ Man Beat 2-Month-Old Daughter Dead: Prosecutor A 39-year-old Phillipsburg man has been charged in the death of his infant daughter, authorities announced Tuesday, June 23. James Capo Jr. is charged with homicide and endangering the welfare of a child following the 2025 death of Sophia Capo, who was two months old, the Warren County Prosecutor's Office said. At 2:10 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, Lopatcong police responded to the 700 block of Youngs Road and found Sophia unresponsive, authorities said. Officers performed CPR and she was eventually airlifted to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where she was pronounced dead a week later, …
New Storm Threat Coming After Brief, Pleasant Break: Timing New Storm Threat Coming After Brief, Pleasant Break: Timing
New Storm Threat Coming After Brief, Pleasant Break: Timing The break from wet weather will be pleasant, but brief. High pressure building into the region on Wednesday, June 24, will bring sunshine, dry conditions, and mostly light winds across much of the Northeast, according to the National Weather Service. More of the same is expected during the day on Thursday, June 25, with another mainly dry stretch from the New York City metro area into southern New England and the mid-Atlantic. Then the pattern starts to turn again. Unsettled conditions are expected to return Thursday night as a cold front approaches, triggering widespread showers and scat…
$22.5M Gold Heist: Suspect In One Of Canada's Biggest Thefts Sentenced For US Guns In Socks $22.5M Gold Heist: Suspect In One Of Canada's Biggest Thefts Sentenced For US Guns In Socks
$22.5M Gold Heist: Suspect In One Of Canada's Biggest Thefts Sentenced For US Guns In Socks A man wanted in one of the biggest gold thefts in Canadian history is facing years behind bars in the United States after a Pennsylvania traffic stop uncovered a cache of guns hidden in a rental car, federal authorities announced. Durante King-Mclean, 27, of Cambridge, Ontario, was back before a Harrisburg federal judge on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for a 2023 case that prosecutors say exposed a cross-border weapons pipeline stretching from Florida to Canada. He had 65 handguns crammed into the trunk of a rental car, each one hidden inside a sock, authorities said. Among them were stolen weap…
MorningStar Farms Pulls Pair Of Frozen Products Over Plastic Risk MorningStar Farms Pulls Pair Of Frozen Products Over Plastic Risk
MorningStar Farms Pulls Pair Of Frozen Products Over Plastic Risk A popular freezer staple is being pulled from shelves. MorningStar Farms voluntarily recalled two frozen products because they may contain pieces of plastic, according to a company announcement posted by the FDA on Monday, June 22. The recall covers MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik'n Nuggets and MorningStar Farms Hot and Spicy Sausage Patties sold in the US, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica. The recalled Buffalo Chik'n Nuggets were sold in 10.5-ounce packages with UPC code 000 28989 10110 5. The affected packages have “better if used before” dates of July 7 and July 8, 2027. The recalled Hot and…
M&M's Makeover Coming: What Shoppers Will Notice M&M's Makeover Coming: What Shoppers Will Notice
M&M's Makeover Coming: What Shoppers Will Notice One of America’s most recognizable candies is getting a new look. Mars plans to debut an artificial dye-free version of M&M's in August, The Wall Street Journal first reported in a story published Thursday, June 18. The new version will not include the full classic color mix at first. The dye-free M&M's will launch in red, yellow, orange, and green, according to the WSJ report. Blue and brown will be omitted from the initial release. The problem is blue. Mars has been working to replace synthetic dyes with colors from natural sources, but creating a reliable blue at a huge scale …
Popular Comedian Charged In $8.7 Million Tax Evasion Case Popular Comedian Charged In $8.7 Million Tax Evasion Case
Popular Comedian Charged In $8.7 Million Tax Evasion Case A familiar comedy name is facing a serious legal spotlight far from the stage. Carlos Mencia, 58, has been charged with 12 felony counts of state tax evasion after prosecutors said he failed to report $8.7 million in personal and corporate income from 2019 through 2024, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced in releasing the complaint arrest warrant. Mencia pleaded not guilty on Monday, June 22. His bail, initially set at $250,000 after his arrest, was reduced to $50,000, and he is scheduled to return to the Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, Aug. 14. The complaint …
Costco Pilot Program Could Change How Members Pay Costco Pilot Program Could Change How Members Pay
Costco Pilot Program Could Change How Members Pay Costco’s checkout line may be getting a serious speed boost. The warehouse chain is testing a pre-scan system that could make the final payment step take about 8 seconds, according to multiple reports. Under the pilot, a Costco employee scans a shopper’s membership card and the items in the cart while the shopper is still waiting in line, Inc. reported. When the shopper reaches the front, the member card is scanned again at an automated pay station. The pre-scanned order then loads on the screen, and the shopper pays by tapping or swiping a card. The goal is simple: reduce the time shoppe…
Pastors Accused Of Soliciting Explicit Videos From Children, More Victims Sought: Philly DA Pastors Accused Of Soliciting Explicit Videos From Children, More Victims Sought: Philly DA
Pastors Accused Of Soliciting Explicit Videos From Children, More Victims Sought: Philly DA Two Philadelphia pastors are accused of exploiting multiple minors through sexually explicit messages, images, and videos, authorities announced on Tuesday, June 23. Isaiah Banks, 30, and Bryan Jackson, 42, were charged following an investigation that prosecutors say uncovered a conspiracy to obtain, exchange, and solicit sexually explicit content involving children, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. The case began on April 8 when Philadelphia police received a report from the Department of Human Services involving a minor who allegedly had been solicited by Banks th…
Lucchese Mob Gambling Ring: 8 Plead Guilty As $4.8M Scheme Unravels, AG Says Lucchese Mob Gambling Ring: 8 Plead Guilty As $4.8M Scheme Unravels, AG Says
Lucchese Mob Gambling Ring: 8 Plead Guilty As $4.8M Scheme Unravels, AG Says Eight defendants admitted their roles in a Lucchese crime family-linked gambling and money laundering enterprise, state officials announced Tuesday, June 23. The defendants are among 42 people indicted following April 2025 arrests that capped a two-year investigation into alleged illegal gambling, loansharking, extortion, and money laundering operations tied to the Lucchese crime family, according to New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. Those who pleaded guilty include: George Zappola, alleged Lucchese crime family member, second-degree racketeering Joseph R. Perna, allege…
Grandmother Killed Sister, Granddaughter In Philly Murder-Suicide: Police (UPDATE) Grandmother Killed Sister, Granddaughter In Philly Murder-Suicide: Police (UPDATE)
Grandmother Killed Sister, Granddaughter In Philly Murder-Suicide: Police (Update) An 18-year-old granddaughter and a 55-year-old sister were fatally shot inside a Philadelphia home before the suspected gunwoman took her own life, police said. Officers from the 3rd District responded to a residence on the 2800 block of South 10th Street at approximately 5:32 p.m., according to the Philadelphia Police Department. When officers arrived, they found three women inside the home, each suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. Philadelphia Fire Department medics pronounced all three dead at 5:38 p.m., police said. The victims have been identified as 18-year-old Angelin…
NJ High School Senior Prank Under Investigation: Report NJ High School Senior Prank Under Investigation: Report
NJ High School Senior Prank Under Investigation: Report A senior prank at one New Jersey high school is no laughing matter. An investigation at Manchester Township High School is reportedly underway following a prank on Wednesday, June 17, the Asbury Park Press reports. A TikTok video shared by Tri-County Scanner News shows the school strewn with toilet paper both inside and outside the building and students sitting on top of the roof. Students put a "For Sale" sign over the school sign. Superintendent Diane Pedroza said in a statement that the senior prank "exceeded the expectations and guidelines that had been communicated to studen…
VIDEO: Rutgers Dancer-Turned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Performs On 'TODAY' Show VIDEO: Rutgers Dancer-Turned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Performs On 'TODAY' Show
Video: Rutgers Dancer-Turned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Performs On 'Today' Show A New Jersey native who danced her way from Rutgers to one of the most famous cheerleading squads in the country took the stage in New York City on Tuesday morning, June 23. Kelly Villares, of Weehawken, performed on the "TODAY" show as a third-year member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders join TODAY to preview Season Three of their hit series “America’s Sweethearts” on Netflix and Reece opens up about her decision to retire from cheer. Then, they perform their routine on the plaza!  TODAY Villares was among a select group of cheerleaders chose…
New Dairy Queen Blizzard Flavors, Slush Float Celebrate Summer's Return New Dairy Queen Blizzard Flavors, Slush Float Celebrate Summer's Return
New Dairy Queen Blizzard Flavors, Slush Float Celebrate Summer's Return Dairy Queen is adding several new flavors and treats to its menu just in time for summer. DQ is launching three new Blizzard Treats and a patriotic Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float, the chain announced in a news release on Tuesday, June 23. The new items will be available at participating locations starting on Sunday, June 29. The new Blizzard Cup Lineup is inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The international flavors include Strawberry Mango-flavored Mochi, Biscoff Cookie, and Mexican-style Hot Chocolate. The Strawberry Mango-flavored Mochi Blizzard Treat features man…
Man Charged After Shooting Woman: Monmouth County Prosecutor Man Charged After Shooting Woman: Monmouth County Prosecutor
Man Charged After Shooting Woman: Monmouth County Prosecutor A 21-year-old Keansburg man was arrested and charged after shooting a woman in Neptune Township Monday, June 22. At 5:43 p.m., Neptune police responded to a shooting at Asbury Park Circle and Route 35 South, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said. While police were investigating,  a woman arrived at a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound, Santiago said. Jaiden Edwards was identified as the person responsible for the shooting and he is charged with attempted murder and multiple weapons offenses, Santiago said.
Trump Will Attend World Cup MetLife Finals, FIFA Prez Says Trump Will Attend World Cup MetLife Finals, FIFA Prez Says
Trump Will Attend World Cup MetLife Finals, FIFA Prez Says President Trump will be attending the World Cup finals held at MetLife Stadium next month, league officials confirmed. FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the announcement on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday, 23.  The U.S. president is expected to present the winning team with the trophy on July 19, as he did at the Club World Cup Finals in New Jersey during Chelsea's trophy lift, leaving players confused. One of the biggest questions surrounding Trump's appearance at the World Cup is how it could affect traffic around MetLife Stadium. Authorities have repeatedly warned fans to expec…