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Monday, dec 9
Police & Fire
Old Bridge Woman Gets 18 Years For Fatal Elizabeth Shooting: Prosecutor
A 44-year-old Old Bridge woman was sentenced to 18 years on prison on Friday, Dec. 6, for her role in a fatal shooting in Elizabeth in 2019, authorities said. Cheryle Lugo had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in October, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel, Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca and Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves said. On Oct. 25, 2019, Jamile Robbins, a 19-year-old Elizabeth resident was found with a gunshot wound at the Oakwood Plaza Apartments, authorities said. He was subsequently transported to a local area hospital where …
News
Who Is Luigi Mangione? What We Know About Person Of Interest In CEO Murder
After a week of speculation and viral memes on social media, authorities have identified a person of interest in the killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny announced Monday, Dec. 9, that 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who has ties to Maryland, is a suspect in connection with the murder. As of press time, he was not facing any charges, however, NYC Mayor Eric Adams at a news conference said he is a strong match to the description of the suspect identification. Mangione's Facebook page shows that he is from Towson, MD and studied at the University of Penns…
News
Daniel Penny Acquitted In Chokehold Death Of NJ Native Jordan Neely Aboard Subway Car
A New York ex-Marine was acquitted in the chokehold death of a New Jersey street artist aboard a Manhattan subway. Daniel Penny was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely by a Manhattan jury on Monday, Dec. 9, following 20 hours of deliberations, CBS News reports. It came days after Judge Maxwell Wiley dismissed a manslaughter charge against Penny after jurors were unable to reach a verdict on the top count. The 26-year-old Penny, a Long Island resident from West Islip, had been accused of killing 30-year-old New Jersey native Jordan Neely aboard a …
News
$150K Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At Bergen County 7-Eleven
Someone in Bergen County is starting the holiday season with a bang after purchasing a New Jersey Lottery ticket worth $150,000. The winning ticket from the Saturday, Dec. 7 Jersey Cash 5 drawing was sold at the 7-Eleven located on E. Ridgewood Ave. in Paramus, according to lottery officials. The winning numbers were 14, 16, 27, 30, and 35, with an Xtra of 03.
News
New Update - CEO Murder: ID Released For 26-Year-Old Being Held In PA In Connection To Case
The identity has been released of a 26-year-old being held in Pennsylvania in connection with the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, according to multiple reports. The man was reportedly located in Altoona, about 280 miles away from New York City and about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh, when a Greyhound bus he was traveling on stopped at a McDonald's. The man has been ID'd as Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the NYPD announced. Mangione is from Towson, Maryland, according to his LinkedIn page, which states he was the valedictorian at the Gilman School in Baltimore, and…
Police & Fire
Teaneck Drunk Driver Busted Following Pursuit: Denville PD
A 34-year-old Teaneck man was arrested and charged with drunk driving after leading Denville police on a pursuit on Saturday, Dec. 7, authorities said. Officers responded to Route 80 West and observed a vehicle driven by Daniel Hernandez-Gutierrez exhibiting behaviors indicative of drinking and driving, Denville police said. Hernandez-Gutierrez refused to stop and led police on a pursuit, officers said. Hernandez-Gutierrez eventually stopped and was removed from the vehicle and police determined he was under the influence of alcohol and/or narcotics, officers said. An expendable baton …
Police & Fire
Man Killed, Another Injured In Shooting During Argument Outside Trenton Bar: Police
A Ewing man died and another man was injured in an early morning shooting outside a Trenton bar, authorities said. Kristoffer Givens, 47, was shot and killed outside Al-Lee’s Bar and Lounge on Dickinson Street, Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa Hilton said in a news release. The shooting happened at around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Trenton police responded to a report of a shooting in progress. Officers learned an argument outside the bar escalated and several shots were fired. Givens was found about a block away on Olden Avenue suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Cap…
Business
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures
Nearly 30 percent of US pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021, according to a new study in the health-policy publication Health Affairs. The research, led by University of California Berkeley assistant professor Jenny S. Guadamuz and colleagues, analyzed data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, county health statistics, and ZIP Code demographic surveys. Of the 88,930 retail pharmacies operating in 2010, almost one-third shuttered by 2021, with those in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods disproportionately affected, Independent pharmacies were hit ha…
Weather
Potent Storm To Bring Heavy Rain, Strong Winds: Here's When It Will Hit
The arrival of an unsettled pattern will bring several days of wet weather, including a potent storm with gusty winds that could dump up to 4 inches of rainfall in parts of the region. The National Weather Service says the storm will move from the southwest to the east on Tuesday night, Dec. 10, into Wednesday, Dec. 11. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.) The storm, which will accompany a cold front, will bring widespread rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, with 2 to 4 inches in the areas indicated by the darker shade of green in the second image above. During the storm's height, there wi…
Schools
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm
Fewer high school graduates began college this fall, with enrollment in that age group dropping 5 percent from last year, according to an analysis by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Four-year institutions were hardest hit, with public colleges seeing an 8.5 percent drop in first-year enrollments and private nonprofit colleges reporting a 6.5 percent decline. This trend poses significant challenges for colleges and universities, particularly those reliant on tuition revenue. As the competition for students intensifies, institutions face mounting pressur…
Sports
Largest Deal In Pro Sports History: Juan Soto Signs With NY Mets For $765M
It's truly one for the books. New York Yankees free agent right fielder Juan Soto has reportedly agreed to a $765 million, 15-year deal to go crosstown and join the rival Mets. It's the largest deal in pro sports history, with no deferred money, a $75 million signing bonus, and an opt-out after five seasons, according to mlb.com. The signing represents a bold move for Mets owner Steve Cohen in his quest to build a championship-caliber team. He outbid not only the Yankees but also Soto's other suitors: the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays. News…
News
Small Planes? No, Those Are Drones Over Bergen County (
Video
)
The mysterious drones that have been puzzling North Jersey residents for weeks have officially made their way to Bergen County (scroll for video). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daily Voice NJ (@dailyvoicenewjersey) For the first time, the drones were seen hovering over Hackensack and Washington Township on Sunday, Dec. 8. Reports began pouring in around 7 p.m., as multiple residents initially mistook the flying objects for small planes. Soon after, more drones appeared, capturing the attention of curious onlookers. The drones…
News
Newly-Released Bodycam Footage Shows DUI Arrest Of Sean Higgins After Gaudreau Brothers' Deaths
CBS Philadelphia has released bodycam footage showing the moments leading up to the DUI arrest of Sean Higgins, who struck and killed NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew on Aug. 29, 2024, in New Jersey. The 9-minute, 37-second video, obtained from the New Jersey State Police, captures 43-year-old Higgins, of Woodstown, being walked through field sobriety tests by officers. During the interaction, Higgins admits to consuming five to six beers since noon that day. At one point during the test, Higgins says: "I'm sorry I'm just freaked out what am I supposed to be doing again?" …
Police & Fire
NJ Stepson's Brutal Hammer Assault Leaves Stepfather Critical: Prosecutor
A Woodbridge man is clinging to life after his stepson allegedly attacked him with a hammer, authorities announced on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Ronald Javier Polanco-Barrera, 22, is accused of striking his 48-year-old stepfather multiple times in the head at their Sherry Street residence, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Woodbridge Police Director Robert Hubner. Emergency responders were called to the scene around 6:42 p.m. and found the victim unconscious with blunt force trauma to his head, officials said. He was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospita…
Police & Fire
Two Football Coaches Among 6 Dead In Newark Wreck (
Update
)
The New Jersey high school football community is mourning the loss of two Hudson Catholic coaches who were among six people killed in a fiery crash in Newark over the weekend, officials said. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop confirmed in a statement on X that two of the victims were Hudson Catholic football coaches. They were later identified as head coach Lamar McKnight and assistant coach Brad Cunningham, according to various news outlets and high school sports teams. McKnight, a Jersey City native, took over as Hudson Catholic’s head coach last December. A standout athlete at Lincoln High …
Lifestyle
NY 'Star Trek' Fan Beams Up Legal Help In Battle Over Vanity Plate Snafu
A Long Island woman is contesting tickets issued from all over the nation tied to her distinctive "Star Trek" vanity license plates despite not having driven her car in four years, according to a new report. Beda Koorey, a 76-year-old resident of Huntington and a devoted "Star Trek" fan, believes her license plates were cloned, resulting in tickets for violations in locations she never visited, according to CBS News. She says she's even being billed for E-ZPass tolls. The plates bore the same number as the Starship Enterprise: NCC-1701. Click here to read the complete CBS News repor…
News
New Images Show Suspect Fleeing In Cab After Brazen Targeted Killing Of CEO In Manhattan
New images released by authorities show the suspect in the brazen targeted killing of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare companies in midtown Manhattan fleeing the crime scene in the back of a taxi cab. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: 26-Year-Old Being Held In Pennsylvania In Connection To Manhattan Case The NYPD released the latest images early Sunday morning, Dec. 8. "The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, and we are asking for the public's help," the NYPD said in a statement accompanying the release of the new i…
Lifestyle
This Is Lone US Locale To Make Top 10 Of World's Best Cities In New Rankings
Moving On Up: Here's Where NYC Ranks Among World's Best Cities New York City has made significant progress in a new list of the world's best cities. The 2024 Top 100 City Destinations Index, published by Euromonitor International, ranks global cities based on tourism performance, sustainability, and economic strength. While Paris retained its crown as the top city, New York City climbed higher on the list, continuing to cement its place as a top global destination. It was ranked 10th last year, and is now at No. 6. The Top 10 cities in the rankings include: No. 1: Paris. No. 2: Ma…
Lifestyle
Eggnog, Step Aside: NJ Coquito Queen Spreads Holiday Joy With Every Sip
This holiday season, New Yorkers and New Jerseyans are raising their glasses to Coquito, the creamy, coconut-infused Puerto Rican drink that’s outshining eggnog as the region’s go-to festive cocktail, a new study by Drinksworld shows. The creamy blend of coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum is cementing its place as a holiday classic, showcasing the Northeast’s diverse tastes and cultural influences. The study, which analyzed Google search data for festive drinks, found Coquito leading the pack in NY and NJ, while Eggnog topped the charts in 12 states and Hot Buttered Rum in 10. F…
Lifestyle
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 7 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $260M Jackpot
The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Dec. 7 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $260 million with a $125.5 million cash option after there was no winner in the past week. If no Lottery player claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 01-31-43-55-57 with a Powerball of 22 and the Power Play was 2X. Powerball39 Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus…
Police & Fire
Woman Killed In Hit-And-Run, Driver Arrested: Middlesex County Prosecutors
A 57-year-old Elizabeth woman was fatally struck while crossing the street on her way home from work in Perth Amboy, authorities said on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Gladis Ruiz was hit by a 2010 Hyundai Sonata near Elm Street between Market Street and Riverview Drive at 6:20 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. The car fled the scene, and Ruiz later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Perth Amboy Police Chief Lawrence Cattano. Detectives from the Perth Amboy Police Department and Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office identified the driver as…
Business
Wendy’s Begins Closures Of 140 Locations Nationwide
Wendy’s has started planned closures of 140 restaurants across the US. The closures are part of a strategic effort to streamline operations and focus on more profitable locations amid rising operational costs and stiff competition. Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner said the restaurant selected for closure are “outdated and located in underperforming areas,” according to CEO Today. The closures are expected to end by year's end. Two Ohio locations were among the first to close, according to the Dayton Daily News. Other locations of scheduled closures have not been released. Customers voiced frustr…
Police & Fire
PA Motorcyclist, 24, Killed In NJ Turnpike Crash: State Police
A 24-year-old motorcyclist from Pennsylvania was killed in a crash on the New Jersey Turnpike Friday night, Dec. 6, state police said. Troopers responded to the northbound inner roadway near milepost 77 in South Brunswick at approximately 7:48 p.m. following a report of a crash, officials said. A preliminary investigation revealed that Torbjorn Vetland, of Stroudsburg, PA, was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on the right shoulder when he struck the guardrail, causing the motorcycle to overturn. Vetland was ejected from the bike and died, state police said. The crash remains …
Police & Fire
Mass
Casualty
: Six Dead When Vehicle Goes Airborne, Catches Fire In Newark
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating a devastating crash that left six people dead late Friday night, Dec. 6, in Newark, authorities said. UPDATE: Hudson Catholic Football Coaches Among Two Dead In Fiery Newark Crash The crash occurred at approximately 10:47 p.m. at the intersection of Raymond Boulevard and Blanchard Street. A vehicle carrying six individuals was traveling on Raymond Boulevard toward the Route 1&9 Southbound on-ramp when it veered off the roadway, became airborne, and struck a support column for the Pulaski Skyway, a spokesperson for the prosecut…
Weather
Long-Range Forecast Reveals Separate Storm Chances Christmas Week
Dreaming of a White Christmas? You may get your wish. Long-range weather models indicate the chance for two separate storm systems during Christmas Week, occurring right before and after Wednesday, Dec. 25. The first system is anticipated on Monday, Dec. 23. With overnight low temperatures in the upper teens and low 20s, and daytime highs around the freezing mark, the precipitation is likely to fall as snow. The second chance for a storm that week will occur on Thursday, Dec. 26, when high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 30s to low 40s, which could result in r…
Lifestyle
'Everybody Wants To Be In It:' Julie Bowen Dishes On 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filming In NJ
Julie Bowen is spilling the "Happy Gilmore 2" tea! Well, some of it. In a recent episode of the "Breaking Bread with Tom Papa" podcast, the actress discussed why she returned to reprise her role as Virginia Venit in the sequel to the Adam Sandler classic "Happy Gilmore," which has been filming across New Jersey. Bowen didn't divulge many plot details but said there are 165 actors appearing in the movie, making it a massive undertaking to film. Bowen, most recently known for her work on the sitcom "Modern Family," said the cast includes A-list stars, famous musicians, and others you wouldn'…
News
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC
The deadly Listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats is over, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Boar's Head recalled all deli products made at its Jarratt, Virginia facility in July 2024, due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall included prepackaged deli products and ready-to-eat liverwurst. The CDC announced the conclusion of its investigation, noting that the outbreak resulted in 61 confirmed illnesses across 19 states. Among those affected, 60 were hospitalized, and 10 deaths were reported, underscoring the severity of the cont…
Lifestyle
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 6 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $579M Jackpot
The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 6 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $579 million with a $278/4 million cash option. The winning numbers were 16-21-33-39-45 with a Mega Ball of 24 and a Megaplier of 2X. 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, Dec. 10. Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. Prizes then range fro…
Police & Fire
Assault Weapons, High-Capacity Mags Seized From NJ Man Busted With 31K Child Porn Files: Cops
A former Bergen County parking enforcement agent found with more than 31,100 child pornography files last month was also found with a high-capacity magazine and assault riels, authorities said Friday, Dec. 6. A court-authorized search of Benjamin P. Ritter's Washington Township home on Thursday, Dec. 5 turned up the following, according to township police: Smith & Wesson AR 10 with folding stock and pistol grip Smith and Wesson AR 15 with folding stock and pistol grip Eighteen (18) 30 Round High–Capacity Magazines Six (6) 20 Round High–Capacity Magazines One (1) 25 Round High–Capacity …
Police & Fire
Romanian Duo Charged in $289K Bitcoin-For-Fake-Gold Cryptocurrency Scam In Bergen County
A year-long investigation has led to charges against two Romanian men accused of orchestrating a cryptocurrency scam involving fake gold and Bitcoin valued at approximately $289,000, and a Bergen County victim, authorities said. The suspects, 33-year-old Ciprian A. Tiber and 43-year-old Ahmed Zarei, remain at large and are believed to have returned to Romania following the alleged fraudulent transaction in September 2023, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced. The investigation began when Hasbrouck Heights police contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crime…
Police & Fire
Man Flashed Woman, Inappropriately Touched Her At Central Jersey Store: Prosecutors
A Hazlet man was accused of exposing himself to a woman and inappropriately touching her at a Middletown store, authorities said. Perry Mangano, 21, was charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, fourth-degree lewdness, and fourth-degree stalking, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Friday, Dec. 6. Investigators said Mangano approached the woman inside the At Home store on Route 35 North at around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22. He exposed himself and made physical contact with her. Middletown police arrested him after he returned to the store …
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