Mystery Drones 'Not The Enemy:' Trump Clears The Air Mystery Drones 'Not The Enemy:' Trump Clears The Air
Mystery Drones 'Not The Enemy:' Trump Clears The Air After months of speculation and sky-high conspiracy theories, the mystery around those mysterious drones has finally been grounded. Sort of. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt relayed a message “directly” from President Donald Trump during her first press briefing on Tuesday, Jan. 28, addressing the drones that have been seen over the tri-state since late last year. “After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) for research and various other reasons,” Leavitt quoted Trump as sayi…
Infant Assault Found In 2K+ Images On NJ Music Teacher Sentenced In PA: DA Infant Assault Found In 2K+ Images On NJ Music Teacher Sentenced In PA: DA
Infant Assault Found In 2K+ Images On NJ Music Teacher Sentenced In PA: DA A former Pennsbury School District music instructor who admitted to having thousands of child pornography images and videos has been sentenced to three years of probation, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Christopher Bygott, 47, of Hamilton, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in September 2024 to felony charges of possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility. Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey L. Finley also ordered Bygott to undergo sex offender treatment, barred him from having unsupervised contact with minors, and mandated hi…
Two Brothers Arrested For Hamilton Shooting: Police Two Brothers Arrested For Hamilton Shooting: Police
Two Brothers Arrested For Hamilton Shooting: Police Two brothers were recently arrested and charged for a shooting that occurred in Hamilton last year, authorities said. At 10:50 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, officers responded to the 2500 block of Liberty Street on a report of two people shot, who were en route to a nearby hospital Hamilton police said.  Video surveillance showed a dark colored sedan pulling into the driveway with two individuals exiting the vehicle and going toward the rear of the residence, police said. While at the rear of the residence, an argument ensued and shortly after, gunshots rang out, police said.  The two…
Rare Strain Of Bird Flu Discovered As Egg Prices Soar, Hundreds Of Thousands Of Fowls Killed Rare Strain Of Bird Flu Discovered As Egg Prices Soar, Hundreds Of Thousands Of Fowls Killed
Rare Strain Of Bird Flu Discovered As Egg Prices Soar, Hundreds Of Thousands Of Fowls Killed The detection of a different more rare strain of avian influenza is raising alarm as record egg prices soar to new highs. A farm in California where the new H5N9 strain was detected had to kill 119,000 birds after the more common H5N1 strain had been detected earlier. In New York, a farm on Long Island culled 100,000 ducks after a bird flu outbreak. “Whether this novel H5N9 virus will cause human infections from its avian host and become a pandemic subtype is not known yet,” the US National Library of Medicine said. “It is therefore imperative to assess the risk of emergence of t…
Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide
Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide Flu activity remains high and is increasing across many parts of the country.  For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 18, 25 percent of tests returned positive for flu, up from 19 percent the previous week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than five percent of emergency-room visits were flu-related, with notable increases among infants, older children, and teens, nearing pre-holiday surge levels.
 "The country is still experiencing elevated influenza activity and that is expected to continue for several more weeks," the CDC said. Elev…
Galloway Township Resident Possessed Child Porn: Prosecutor Galloway Township Resident Possessed Child Porn: Prosecutor
Galloway Township Resident Possessed Child Porn: Prosecutor A 28-year-old Galloway Township resident pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography on Monday, Jan. 27, authorities said. Evangelin Snow is expected to be sentenced to five years in prison, per the terms of a plea agreement, the Atlantic City Prosecutor's Office said. In July 2023, State parole agents conducted a search of Snow's residence due to suspicions they were violating parole, authorities said. During the search, parole officers seized the defendant’s cellphone, authorities said.  Snow admitted the phone would contain illegal images of minors, authorities said. T…
3.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes New Jersey, Multiple Other States 3.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes New Jersey, Multiple Other States
3.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes New Jersey, Multiple Other States The US Geological Survey said a 3.8 magnitude earthquake shook much of the Northeast on Monday, Jan. 27. The quake occurred at 10:45 a.m. and was initially reported as a 4.1 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was located near York Harbor, approximately seven miles off the coast of Maine and about 13 miles underground. The tremors were felt across Massachusetts and reached as far as Upstate New York, parts of Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey.  In all, residents in nine states felt the tremors.  According to the Maine Earthquake Database, this was the third-strongest eart…
Powerball Ticket Sold At Trenton Market Wins Big Powerball Ticket Sold At Trenton Market Wins Big
Powerball Ticket Sold At Trenton Market Wins Big It was a sensational Saturday for a Powerball player in Trenton. A Powerball ticket sold in New Jersey's capital matched four numbers plus the red Powerball in the drawing held on Saturday, Jan. 25, winning $50,000. The ticket was sold at Torres Lopez Market on Stuyvesant Avenue. The winning numbers were 8, 15, 17, 53, 66 and the red Powerball was 14.
'Cancel Culture Coleslaw:' NJ Restaurant Apologizes For 'Proud Boys Burger' 'Cancel Culture Coleslaw:' NJ Restaurant Apologizes For 'Proud Boys Burger'
'Cancel Culture Coleslaw:' NJ Restaurant Apologizes For 'Proud Boys Burger' A New Jersey restaurant has found itself at the center of a controversy after a menu item titled the "Proud Boys Burger" sparked widespread outrage on social media.  Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails on Route 37 in Toms River has since issued multiple apologies and taken action in response to the backlash. The burger, described as featuring “white American cheese, onion ring layers of truth, resilience pickles, freedom fries, cancel culture coleslaw, and liberty sauce,” was posted on social media by a customer, igniting immediate criticism. Many took issue with the apparent reference to…
Man Accused Of Making Violent Threats Against Trump Man Accused Of Making Violent Threats Against Trump
Man Accused Of Making Violent Threats Against Trump A man accused of threatening to kill President Trump has been apprehended following a tip to federal authorities. The investigation began on Inauguration Day on Monday, Jan. 20, after a tip to the FBI National Threat Operations Center reported violent online posts targeting the former president.  Federal agents traced the posts to Shannon Depararro Atkins, age 46, of West Palm Beach, Florida, near Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. Atkins was arrested just before 7:30 p.m.  Friday, Jan. 24 near his home after being pulled over in a white 2013 BMW 750Li, said Public Informat…
NJ Couples Expect Fourth-Most Expensive Wedding Gifts In U.S.: How Much Should You Spend? NJ Couples Expect Fourth-Most Expensive Wedding Gifts In U.S.: How Much Should You Spend?
NJ Couples Expect Fourth-Most Expensive Wedding Gifts In U.S.: How Much Should You Spend? Newlywed couples in Northeast and mid-Atlantic states expect some of the most generous wedding gifts in the country, a new study said. Couples in New York expect the most expensive gifts in the U.S. at an average of $204.60 per guest, according to the study by fine jewelry brand Shane Co. The survey, based on responses from more than 3,000 Americans, also highlights regional trends in gift expectations, budgets, and wedding traditions. Connecticut newlyweds had the nation's second-highest expectations of $202.40 per gift, while New Jersey ranked fourth at $172.30. Pennsylvani…
'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Found Safe In Nevada After Reported Missing 'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Found Safe In Nevada After Reported Missing
'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Found Safe In Nevada After Reported Missing Natalie DiDonato, a cast member from Season 5 of "Mob Wives", has been found safe in Nevada, ending a brief missing-persons search, NBC News reported. DiDonato, 44, contacted her mother, Denise Fuoco, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, and assured her she was safe and not being held against her will. "My daughter's been found," Fuoco told NBC News. "She's fine right now. We're trying to get her home." The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that its search for DiDonato was officially over. In a statement released on Thursday, Jan. 23, the LVMPD said, "This case has been closed. We …
Edison Siblings Champion Sports For Kids With Special Needs Through 'Buddy Ball' Edison Siblings Champion Sports For Kids With Special Needs Through 'Buddy Ball'
Edison Siblings Champion Sports For Kids With Special Needs Through 'Buddy Ball' Aidan and Catelyn Yam are proving that it doesn’t take a big team to make a big difference. The high school siblings from Edison have become champions of Buddy Ball, a non-profit organization offering children with special needs the chance to play sports in a welcoming and supportive environment. Using their connections in school sports teams and clubs, Aidan and Catelyn have led the charge to recruit volunteers for Buddy Ball’s programs, which include soccer, basketball, baseball, and bowling. These programs pair children ages six and up with “Buddy” volunteers who help with skill-building,…
Purdue Pharma To Pay $7B+ In Historic Opioid Settlement: 'A Symbol Of Greed' Purdue Pharma To Pay $7B+ In Historic Opioid Settlement: 'A Symbol Of Greed'
Purdue Pharma To Pay $7B+ In Historic Opioid Settlement: 'A Symbol Of Greed' Purdue Pharma will pay more than $7 billion for the corporation's role in fueling the opioid epidemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. The Sackler family and Purdue Pharma reached a $7.4 billion settlement with attorneys general from 15 states on Thursday, Jan. 23. The Sacklers have owned the company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, for decades. The settlement includes $6.5 billion from the Sackler family, with $1.5 billion to be paid immediately, and nearly $900 million from Purdue Pharma. Funds will be distributed to states, local governments, and victims ov…
Yankees' Mariano Rivera, Wife, Covered Up Sexual Abuse In NY, Lawsuit Says Yankees' Mariano Rivera, Wife, Covered Up Sexual Abuse In NY, Lawsuit Says
Yankees' Mariano Rivera, Wife, Covered Up Sexual Abuse In NY, Lawsuit Says Baseball icon Mariano Rivera and his wife are both named in a new lawsuit alleging that the couple did not protect a young victim from being sexually abused by members of a Westchester-based church, some of which happened at their home.  The lawsuit, filed in New York Supreme Court in Westchester County on Thursday, Jan. 16, alleges that a child referred to as "Jane A Doe" because of her young age was sexually abused by two people affiliated with New Rochelle-based Refuge of Hope Church.  The church began as a small ministry in Rivera's home and his wife, Clara, still works a…
$44M COVID Tax Scheme: 7 Nabbed In Largest US Case Ever $44M COVID Tax Scheme: 7 Nabbed In Largest US Case Ever
$44M COVID Tax Scheme: 7 Nabbed In Largest US Case Ever Seven New Yorkers have been charged in a sweeping tax fraud scheme, accused of exploiting pandemic relief programs to steal over $44 million, federal prosecutors announced. The indictment by the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, unsealed Wednesday, Jan. 22, alleges that the defendants filed over 8,000 fraudulent tax returns, seeking more than $600 million in COVID-19 relief funds through the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and related programs. Investigators determined the group successfully secured $44 million from the federal government. Defendants Long Island …
Two NJ Chefs Nominated For James Beard Awards Two NJ Chefs Nominated For James Beard Awards
Two NJ Chefs Nominated For James Beard Awards New Jersey’s food scene is sizzling with excitement as two chefs have snagged James Beard Award nominations. Dan Richer, the mastermind behind Razza in Jersey City, and David Viana, the culinary genius at Lita in Aberdeen, are both up for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic. There are a total of 10 nominees mainly from DC, Philadelphia, and Delaware. Richer is no stranger to accolades. Born in Matawan, he ditched his college graduation for a plane ticket to Italy, where he fell in love with food and never looked back.  Since then, he’s turned Razza into a pizza powerhouse, earning a thr…
James Gandolfini Service Area Sets Opening Date After Renovations James Gandolfini Service Area Sets Opening Date After Renovations
James Gandolfini Service Area Sets Opening Date After Renovations Pull over, Parkway travelers—the James Gandolfini Service Area along the Garden State Parkway finally has an opening date. The Montvale rest area will open its doors Monday, Jan. 27, and it’s bringing big Jersey energy along with some fan-favorite eats. Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, Nathan’s, and the Applegreen retail market will be ready to serve up snacks and coffee to keep your road trip rolling. Burger King might be flipping burgers by Monday, but officials say they’ll know for sure later this week. Meanwhile, Sunoco will take a little longer to join the fun, with plans to open during the we…
'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Vanishes After Missing PA Flight: Report 'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Vanishes After Missing PA Flight: Report
'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Vanishes After Missing PA Flight: Report Natalie DiDonato, known for her appearance on Season 5 of "Mob Wives," has been reported missing after failing to show up for two flights home, according to TMZ. The Las Vegas Police Department confirmed that a missing person report for DiDonato, 44, was filed on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2025. However, Philadelphia Police did not respond to our request for comment. **UPDATE: DiDonato was found, click here to read out the our full report** According to TMZ, DiDonato’s family is deeply concerned after she failed to board a Jan. 5 flight from Philadelphia to her home in Florida. Friends and family sa…
REAL ID Enforcement Set To Begin Nationwide: Here's When REAL ID Enforcement Set To Begin Nationwide: Here's When
Real ID Enforcement Set To Begin Nationwide: Here's When Travelers and those accessing federal facilities will soon need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification under new security requirements. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 in response to 9/11 Commission recommendations, requires stricter security standards for state-issued licenses and ID cards.  These credentials will be essential for boarding commercial flights, entering federal buildings, and accessing certain restricted facilities. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske emphasized the importance of compliance, …
Mystery Drones Over NJ? Trump Says 'I Just Got Here! But Promises Answers Mystery Drones Over NJ? Trump Says 'I Just Got Here! But Promises Answers
Mystery Drones Over NJ? Trump Says 'I Just Got Here! But Promises Answers Since November, New Jersey skies have been abuzz with mystery drones. And now President Donald Trump promises answers.  Shortly after his inauguration, Trump addressed the peculiar sightings, including reports of drones flying over his Bedminster golf club, calling the activity “interesting” and vowing to get to the bottom of it. "In fact, I’d like to know because I just got here. I just came here. I would like to find out what it is and tell the people," he said Monday, Jan. 20 after an inquiry from a reporter. "In fact, I’d like to do that. Can we find out what that was, Susie? OK? W…
Nasal Spray Treating Major Depression Receives FDA Approval For Standalone Use Nasal Spray Treating Major Depression Receives FDA Approval For Standalone Use
Nasal Spray Treating Major Depression Receives FDA Approval For Standalone Use The Food and Drug Administration has approved Johnson & Johnson's nasal spray as a standalone treatment for severe forms of depression, officials said. The FDA granted approval to Spravato (esketamine) as the first monotherapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression, J&J said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The decision came after a priority review of clinical data showing significant improvements in depression symptoms as early as 24 hours and sustained progress through four weeks. According to J&J, treatment-resistant depression affects about one-t…
$32 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In New Jersey $32 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In New Jersey
$32 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In New Jersey It was a lucrative life changing day for a lottery player in Ocean County. A ticket sold in Jackson matched all six numbers in the New Jersey Lottery Pick-6 jackpot in the drawing held on Monday, Jan. 20 winning $32 million. This is the first Pick-6 jackpot of 2025. The ticket was sold at Quick Mart at 665 Bennetts Mills Road. The winning numbers were  04, 11, 12, 15, 27 and 39. 
Blue Law Blowout: American Dream's Sunday Operations Ignite Legal Firestorm In Bergen County Blue Law Blowout: American Dream's Sunday Operations Ignite Legal Firestorm In Bergen County
Blue Law Blowout: American Dream's Sunday Operations Ignite Legal Firestorm In Bergen County A fierce debate has erupted over Sunday retail operations at the American Dream Complex in East Rutherford, as Bergen County officials accuse the mall of violating the county’s long-standing Blue Laws. Meanwhile, American Dream’s leadership and supporters argue that Sunday sales are essential to the region’s economy and tourism goals. The Blue Laws, enacted in 1951, ban the sale of items like clothing, household furnishings, and office supplies on Sundays across Bergen County. However, American Dream’s stores have been open on Sundays for nearly a year, with one exception: retail closures du…
TikTok Access Restored In United States TikTok Access Restored In United States
TikTok Access Restored In United States Americans regained access to TikTok after a 14-hour ban left the popular app unavailable. As of Sunday, Jan. 19, it remained unclear why the app was once again operational in the United States. The Supreme Court had previously upheld a ruling to enforce the ban, citing national security concerns linked to TikTok’s Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance. President Trump reportedly said he planned on issuing an executive order giving ByteDance more time to sell the video-sharing platform.
Earn Your Scroll: New App Makes You Walk To Unlock Social Media Earn Your Scroll: New App Makes You Walk To Unlock Social Media
Earn Your Scroll: New App Makes You Walk To Unlock Social Media A new app is fighting against doomscrolling and helping users get active by turning steps into screen time. Steppin' blocks you from using certain apps unless you walk a certain number of daily steps. The app was founded by Boston entrepreneur Paul English, who's also a co-founder of travel search engine Kayak.com. Steppin' rewards physical activity by tying screen time to movement. For every 100 steps, users earn one minute of access to restricted apps, including social media apps like Facebook and Instagram, as well as other platforms like Netflix. The app's settings are fully …
Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About HMPV Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About HMPV
Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About Hmpv A surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China is sparking concerns five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, drawing attention to another respiratory virus circulating in the population. HMPV, a known virus, usually causes cold-like symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat.  The new rise in cases, particularly among children under 14 in northern China, has officials urging caution as the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, a time when travel and gatherings often lead to spikes in illness. Data from China’s state news agency, Xinhua, shows …
Tobacco Costs NJ Smokers $4.4M Over Lifetimes, Lose Third-Most Income In U.S.: Study Tobacco Costs NJ Smokers $4.4M Over Lifetimes, Lose Third-Most Income In U.S.: Study
Tobacco Costs NJ Smokers $4.4M Over Lifetimes, Lose Third-Most Income In U.S.: Study Northeast and mid-Atlantic states are among the most expensive in the U.S. for smoking tobacco, according to a new study. New York topped the 2025 list from WalletHub called "The Real Cost of Smoking by State", with residents losing an estimated $5.4 million over their lifetime. Washington, D.C., Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island were also ranked in the top five. The study calculated smoking-related costs by combining out-of-pocket expenses, lost income, increased insurance premiums, and missed financial opportunities, such as investing in the stock market instead of …
'So I Raped You': NJ Native Shannon Keeler's Alleged Rapist Ian Cleary Denied Bail 'So I Raped You': NJ Native Shannon Keeler's Alleged Rapist Ian Cleary Denied Bail
'So I Raped You': NJ Native Shannon Keeler's Alleged Rapist Ian Cleary Denied Bail A Gettysburg man extradited from France to face sexual assault charges was denied bail on Friday, Jan. 17, according to court documents. Ian Thomas Cleary, 31, was charged with Felony Sexual Assault stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred on Dec. 15, 2013, according to a criminal docket filed by the Gettysburg Borough Police Department. Cleary was extradited from France and considered a significant flight risk, leading to the denial of bail by Magisterial District Judge Tony J. Little, as noted in the court records. According to the docket, "Defendant extradited from France. Consi…
MD Supreme Court Attorney Failed To Report Millions In Poker Winnings: Feds MD Supreme Court Attorney Failed To Report Millions In Poker Winnings: Feds
MD Supreme Court Attorney Failed To Report Millions In Poker Winnings: Feds A supreme court attorney attorney from Maryland who made his name arguing before the Supreme Court is now facing serious legal trouble of his own. Thomas Goldstein, 53, a prominent appellate lawyer and high-stakes poker player known to play in games involving millions, was indicted on Thursday, Jan. 16 on multiple charges for failing to report his winnings, authorities announced It is alleged that Goldstein failed to report millions of dollars in poker winnings and omitting over $14 million in debt to secure a multimillion-dollar home loan in DC. Specifically, a federal grand jur…
'You Know Who I Am': Gloucester County Councilman Flips Out On Cop During Traffic Stop (VIDEO) 'You Know Who I Am': Gloucester County Councilman Flips Out On Cop During Traffic Stop (VIDEO)
'You Know Who I Am': Gloucester County Councilman Flips Out On Cop During Traffic Stop (Video) The New Jersey State PBA President is calling for the resignation of a councilman in Gloucester County following the release of bodycam footage of a recent traffic stop. The footage shared by NJ Advance Media shows the traffic stop involving Paulsboro Councilman Theodore Holloway at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Penn Line Road and Wes Adams Street in the borough. Holloway immediately becomes agitated when the officer pulls him over. "You can't be serious!" Holloway yells. Holloway threatened the officer, saying he would talk to Police Chief Gary Kille about the stop…