USPS Redesigns Money Orders: How New Security Elements Will Fight Fraud USPS Redesigns Money Orders: How New Security Elements Will Fight Fraud
USPS Redesigns Money Orders: How New Security Elements Will Fight Fraud The U.S. Postal Service is redesigning its money orders to include advanced security elements for combatting counterfeits and fraud, officials said. The USPS will debut the new money orders in February, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The redesigned orders will be red, white, and blue with an updated bank routing number. To enhance protection, the redesign incorporates watermarks, a security thread, and a QR code directing users to the USPS website. Additional security features remain undisclosed to further deter fraudulent activities. The current "legacy" des…
Officer Hospitalized After Rescuing Husky That Fell Through Ice: Police Officer Hospitalized After Rescuing Husky That Fell Through Ice: Police
Officer Hospitalized After Rescuing Husky That Fell Through Ice: Police A husky is lucky to be alive after he was rescued after falling through the ice in Chester on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Police responded to a 911 call on Old Chester Road after the husky, Ghost, fell through the ice and was in distress, Chester police said. The two officers, Louis Capone and Sgt. Stephen Notte, crawled onto the ice to save Ghost, using a snare police. Capone fell into the freezing cold water but Sgt. Notte was able to pull both Capone and Ghost out of the water, police said. Notte likely saved Ghost's life, police said. Capone was brought to Morristown Memorial Hospital as a preca…
New Details, Video Show Workforce Housing, Transit Hub Project In Hackensack New Details, Video Show Workforce Housing, Transit Hub Project In Hackensack
New Details, Video Show Workforce Housing, Transit Hub Project In Hackensack Bergen County officials have released a brand-new video rendering of Bergen Junction, a transformational mixed-use development in Hackensack that aims to provide affordable housing for essential workers, support veterans, and revitalize the NJ TRANSIT Hackensack Bus Transfer (scroll for video). The project — announced by Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen County Improvement Authority — will replace the former Bergen County probation building and outdated bus terminal with state-of-the-art facilities.  Bergen Junction will feature a five…
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…
Cookie Remix: Post Malone, Oreo Create Unique Flavor With Special Designs Cookie Remix: Post Malone, Oreo Create Unique Flavor With Special Designs
Cookie Remix: Post Malone, Oreo Create Unique Flavor With Special Designs Music and snacks collide as music star Post Malone is teaming up with Oreo to release a limited-edition cookie featuring unique flavors, designs, and a personal touch from the chart-topping artist. Oreo announced the partnership with the hip-hop and country musician in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The Limited Edition Post Malone OREO Cookies will have a one-of-a-kind swirled creme and designs inspired by Post Malone's world. The cookies feature a swirled creme combining salted caramel and shortbread flavors, sandwiched between a chocolate cookie and a golden cookie—a firs…
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…
NYC Gets 'Closer' To Nine Inch Nails: Rock Hall-Of-Famers To Perform At Barclays Center NYC Gets 'Closer' To Nine Inch Nails: Rock Hall-Of-Famers To Perform At Barclays Center
NYC Gets 'Closer' To Nine Inch Nails: Rock Hall-Of-Famers To Perform At Barclays Center Nine Inch Nails are heading out on tour for the first time in three years, the rock band said. Nine Inch Nails have announced their long-awaited "Peel It Back Tour 2025", Live Nation said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 22. It's the first tour for the band led by singer and composer Trent Reznor since a 2022 tour across the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The group known for 90s alt-rock hits like "Closer" and "The Hand That Feeds" will play throughout Europe in June and July. The first U.S. show will be in Oakland, California, on Wednesday, Aug. 6. Nine Inch Nails will perform at&n…
'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. 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 said DiDonato appeared distressed and disconnected in recent phone calls and F…
Home Depot Adds DoorDash, Uber Eats For On-Demand Deliveries Home Depot Adds DoorDash, Uber Eats For On-Demand Deliveries
Home Depot Adds DoorDash, Uber Eats For On-Demand Deliveries Forget about only getting dinner delivered, you can now use Uber Eats and DoorDash to order tools, hardware, and other things you need to complete home projects. The Home Depot has expanded its delivery options by teaming up with DoorDash and Uber Eats, the home improvement chain said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The on-demand delivery apps will be able to bring customers some supplies and materials in as little as an hour. The apps join other options for the store like Instacart, same-day deliveries through the Home Depot website, and free next-day delivery. "We've n…
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, …
Massive Ground Beef Recall: 167K Pounds Pulled Over E. Coli Risk Massive Ground Beef Recall: 167K Pounds Pulled Over E. Coli Risk
Massive Ground Beef Recall: 167K Pounds Pulled Over E. Coli Risk A recall of over 167,000 pounds of ground beef shipped nationwide is raising concerns about possible E. coli contamination. The recall, issued by Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co., affects products distributed to restaurants across the US. Health officials have linked the beef to 15 illnesses in one state, with symptoms appearing between Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, and Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. Key Details  Fresh products: “Use by” date of Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 Frozen products: Production date of Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 Inspection mark: “EST. 2574B” View product list here View product…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Jan. 21 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $20M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Jan. 21 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $20M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Jan. 21 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $20M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday Mega Millions drawing with a recently reset jackpot. The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Jan. 21 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $20 million, with an estimated cash option of $8.9 million. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 27-30-56-64-65 with a Mega Ball of 22 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24.  Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350&…
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…
ICE Enforcement Allowed At Schools, Churches Under New Trump Policy ICE Enforcement Allowed At Schools, Churches Under New Trump Policy
ICE Enforcement Allowed At Schools, Churches Under New Trump Policy Federal immigration authorities now have the ability to arrest individuals in and around  schools and churches — areas previously considered sensitive.  This new policy change involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, announced on the second day of the new Trump Administration on Tuesday, Jan/ 21 by Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman and represents a significant shift from long-standing guidelines. “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest," Huffman said in a statement. "The Trump Administration …
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…
Bergen County Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Ramos Dies: 'True Public Servant' Bergen County Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Ramos Dies: 'True Public Servant'
Bergen County Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Ramos Dies: 'True Public Servant' The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Sergeant Michael Ramos, a dear colleague and dedicated public servant who passed away.  The county's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), of which Ramos was a member of (Class of 2019), announced his death on Monday, Jan. 20. Sheriff Anthony Cureton released a statement to social media on Tuesday, Jan. 21. “Sergeant Ramos dedicated his life to serving and protecting the people of Bergen County with unwavering commitment, professionalism, and a spirit that touched everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him,” it reads. "…
NJ Among States Suing Trump For Ending Birthright Citizenship: 'Dangerous, Unconstitutional' NJ Among States Suing Trump For Ending Birthright Citizenship: 'Dangerous, Unconstitutional'
NJ Among States Suing Trump For Ending Birthright Citizenship: 'Dangerous, Unconstitutional' Several states in the Northeast are fighting to block an executive order signed by President Donald Trump that would end birthright citizenship. A coalition of 18 states – including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland – are named as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Trump administration that was filed in Massachusetts federal court on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The suit argues that Trump’s order denying US citizenship to the children of those who are neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident is unlawful. “This dangerous and unconstitutional order undermines…
'The Couture Surgeon' Julie Ferrauiola Dies, 44 'The Couture Surgeon' Julie Ferrauiola Dies, 44
'The Couture Surgeon' Julie Ferrauiola Dies, 44 Dr. Julie Ferrauiola, a Ridgewood plastic surgeon known for her artistry, compassion, and technical skill, died on Jan. 17, at 44 years old.  Born and raised in Tenafly, Julie was an artist from a young age and a New Jersey Governor’s Scholar of the Fine Arts, according to her obituary on the Barrett Leber Funeral Home website. Julie initially pursued fashion, earning a degree from the prestigious Parsons School of Design, but later transitioned to medicine. The Couture Surgeon website says that Julie completed her general surgery training at Wright State University befo…
NJ Teacher Allegedly Impregnated By 13-Year-Old Former Student Released From Jail: Report NJ Teacher Allegedly Impregnated By 13-Year-Old Former Student Released From Jail: Report
NJ Teacher Allegedly Impregnated By 13-Year-Old Former Student Released From Jail: Report Laura Caron, a 34-year-old teacher, charged with sexually assaulting a former student from when he was 11 years old, was ordered released from jail on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6abc reports. The judge granted her release at a detention hearing, saying she was not a flight risk. She is ordered to have no contact with the victim, his family or any minors, besides her 5-year-old daughter, NJ Advance Media says. According to a criminal affidavit, Caron was 28 years old when she was impregnated by a 13-year-old former student. Caron, a Cape May Court House resident who teaches fifth grade at M…
$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. 
Catch 'Em All: Pokémon Cards Return To McDonald's In New Happy Meals Catch 'Em All: Pokémon Cards Return To McDonald's In New Happy Meals
Catch 'Em All: Pokémon Cards Return To McDonald's In New Happy Meals For those who want to be the very best like no one ever was, McDonald's may be the place to go in early 2025. McDonald's officially launched a new Happy Meal partnership with Pokémon on Tuesday, Jan. 21, the fast food chain announced in a news release. The nationwide promotion includes exclusive trading cards, digital rewards, collectibles, and fun activities. Each Happy Meal contains a Pokémon Trading Card Game booster pack featuring four of 15 collectible cards, a Pokémon-themed poster, and a sticker sheet to decorate the poster, The Pokémon Company said. "There's nothing more excit…
'Wawa Has Disgusting Pizza:' Portnoy Pitches Ad Idea Outside Gas Station 'Wawa Has Disgusting Pizza:' Portnoy Pitches Ad Idea Outside Gas Station
'Wawa Has Disgusting Pizza:' Portnoy Pitches Ad Idea Outside Gas Station Following a series of mostly positive pizzeria reviews in Maryland, things took a turn for Dave Portnoy during a visit to Wawa in Anne Arundel County. "One Bite" was pretty much all the Barstool CEO needed before giving Wawa in Glen Burnie a 2.8 out of 10 while musing that he was once considered for an advertising campaign with the company (instead turned to cast members from the "Jersey Shore"). @djpaulyd Wawa Has Pizza 🍕 #wawapartner ♬ original sound - djpaulyd After having to wait until 4 p.m., when Wawa begins serving pizza, much to El Presidente's chagrin, Portnoy had a pitc…
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…
Rutgers Gymnastics Coach On Leave Over Allegations Of Bullying, Relationship With AD Rutgers Gymnastics Coach On Leave Over Allegations Of Bullying, Relationship With AD
Rutgers Gymnastics Coach On Leave Over Allegations Of Bullying, Relationship With AD Unme Salim-Beasley, the Rutgers gymnastics coach, has been placed on paid administrative leave after an investigation into her conduct, including an improper relationship with then-Athletic Director Patrick Hobbs. Gymnasts at Rutgers alleged Salim-Beasley bullied them and did not address their injuries nor mental health concerns, while the athletics department often turned a blind eye, due to the relationship between Hobbs and Salim-Beasley, according to the release of a 52-page report by the law firm Lowenstein and Sandler, commissioned by the school. The 2023-2024 Rutgers women's gymnasti…
Splitting A Flight: Venmo Payments Now Accepted For Bookings On This Airline Splitting A Flight: Venmo Payments Now Accepted For Bookings On This Airline
Splitting A Flight: Venmo Payments Now Accepted For Bookings On This Airline An app used by many to pay back friends for meals or event tickets has another new purpose: booking a flight. JetBlue now accepts payments through Venmo for flights, the airline said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The company also said it's the first airline to accept Venmo payments for airfare. The option is currently only available on JetBlue.com but will be on the mobile app "in the coming months." "We're continually looking for ways to make it easier to book a JetBlue flight on our website and mobile app," said Carol Clements, JetBlue's chief digital and technology officer. "Ad…
Video: DUI Driver Twice Legal Limit Says Car Hit Black Ice Before Slamming NJ Office Building Video: DUI Driver Twice Legal Limit Says Car Hit Black Ice Before Slamming NJ Office Building
Video: DUI Driver Twice Legal Limit Says Car Hit Black Ice Before Slamming NJ Office Building New bodycam footage shows the arrest of a 31-year-old Rockaway woman who was more than twice the legal limit when her vehicle slammed into a Denville office building last month, police paperwork shows. Police were called to 95 E Main Street near Indian Road on reports of a "loud bang" around 10 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2024, Denville police said. There they found Kristen Cobb, whose vehicle had veered off the road and struck the exterior of the building with airbag deployment. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol from Cobb's breath. She claimed she “slipped on black ice” while driving ho…
NJ Man Charged After Girlfriend Found Shot Dead In PA Hotel: Police Release Details NJ Man Charged After Girlfriend Found Shot Dead In PA Hotel: Police Release Details
NJ Man Charged After Girlfriend Found Shot Dead In PA Hotel: Police Release Details Authorities have revealed chilling new details about the murder of a Trenton woman found shot to death at a Pennsylvania hotel last week. Her boyfriend, who sparked a standoff in New Jersey hours later, has been charged with her killing, police said Tuesday, Jan. 21. Orenthia Upshur, 51, is accused of shooting 49-year-old Maisha Coon inside a rented room at the Sleep Inn on Street Road in Bensalem in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Jan. 15. The investigation began when a family member of Upshur’s walked into the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Trevose at 5 a.m. that day. The r…
18K+ Costco Workers Approve Strike Over Wholesaler's 'Greed': 'We Are The Backbone' 18K+ Costco Workers Approve Strike Over Wholesaler's 'Greed': 'We Are The Backbone'
18K+ Costco Workers Approve Strike Over Wholesaler's 'Greed': 'We Are The Backbone' Workers at America's largest wholesale retailer may soon go on strike as the corporation has seen profits skyrocket in recent years, union officials said. Costco workers nationwide voted by an overwhelming 85-percent margin to authorize a strike, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters said in a news release on Monday, Jan. 20. The Teamsters cited the retail giant's dramatic surge in net profits and refusal to offer a fair contract. More than 18,000 union-member employees are set to strike if a new agreement isn't reached by the time the current one expires on Friday, Jan.…
Rise In Food Prices Goes Beyond Eggs: Here’s Rundown Rise In Food Prices Goes Beyond Eggs: Here’s Rundown
Rise In Food Prices Goes Beyond Eggs: Here’s Rundown Eggs are not the only food product seeing a sharp increase in prices. December grocery prices were nearly 28 percent higher than five years ago, reflecting how much harder families are finding it to manage their everyday expenses, The Wall Street Journal reports.  According to Labor Department data, grocery prices surged 1.8 percent year-over-year in December, marking the fastest increase in over a year, The trend started just after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019, mainly due to pandemic-related supply chain issues. According to a Trace One analysis of US Bureau of Labo…
Belleville Burglar Busted In Secaucus, Stole $3K From Trucks: Police Belleville Burglar Busted In Secaucus, Stole $3K From Trucks: Police
Belleville Burglar Busted In Secaucus, Stole $3K From Trucks: Police A 23-year-old Belleville man was arrested and charged on Friday, Jan. 17 with breaking into trucks in Secaucus last October. On Tuesday, Oct. 29, officers responded to a fenced in parking lot on Henry Street on a repot of a person, later identified as Luis Najera Mendoza, who broke into six trucks and stole their EZ Pass transponders and portable radios, valued at $3,000, Secaucus police said. A search of Mendoza's residence turned up several of the stolen items, police said. Mendoza is charged with two counts of burglary and theft of moveable property, police said. He was released pending…
Discovery Of Nearly 9,000-Year-Old Trays Show Earliest Cooks Got Their Focaccia Fix Discovery Of Nearly 9,000-Year-Old Trays Show Earliest Cooks Got Their Focaccia Fix
Discovery Of Nearly 9,000-Year-Old Trays Show Earliest Cooks Got Their Focaccia Fix The humble focaccia, a staple of modern Italian cuisine, traces its roots back nearly 9,000 years to the early farming communities of the Fertile Crescent. Researchers from Sapienza University of Rome and the Autonomous University of Barcelona have uncovered evidence that Late Neolithic societies were sophisticated in their culinary practices.  They developed advanced techniques to bake large, flavorful breads and flatbreads, including a precursor to focaccia intended for communal consumption. Culinary Tradition Unearthed The study, published in Scientific Reports, analyzed ceramic f…