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Coronavirus Pandemic

Gloucester County Opens New Center To Fight Abuse Against Children Gloucester County Opens New Center To Fight Abuse Against Children
Gloucester County Opens New Center To Fight Abuse Against Children A new Child Advocacy Center has opened in Gloucester County to deal with the steady rise in abuse and neglect cases, authorities said. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new center at 432 Glover St. in Woodbury took place on Tuesday, April 23. Local prosecutors said they found the need for a larger space necessary due to a rise in the number of crimes against children during and following the coronavirus pandemic.  Child abuse and neglect cases rose from 3,334 cases in 2000 to 4,355 last year in Gloucester County, according to the Rutgers University School of Social Work.  Statewi…
New Eatery, R&B Lounge Opens In South Jersey After Pandemic Delay, Renovations New Eatery, R&B Lounge Opens In South Jersey After Pandemic Delay, Renovations
New Eatery, R&B Lounge Opens In South Jersey After Pandemic Delay, Renovations Essie's Restaurant & Lounge in Clementon is officially open after a two-year delay due to the coronavirus pandemic and renovations. The eatery features creole cuisine and live rhythm and blues and jazz. In 2017, husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Mike and Chèrie Gillespie purchased a South Jersey building with the vision of opening an upscale restaurant and live music lounge.  Shortly thereafter, a snowstorm caused the roof to cave in, delaying their plans. The global pandemic, a massive renovation, and two years later, the pair have finally opened Essie’s Restaurant & Lounge at 1 Gar…
Popular South Jersey Seafood Joint, The Little Tuna, Shutters Forever Popular South Jersey Seafood Joint, The Little Tuna, Shutters Forever
Popular South Jersey Seafood Joint, The Little Tuna, Shutters Forever The Little Tuna, a popular seafood eatery for the past 20 years in South Jersey, has closed. The Little Tuna opened in 2001 at 403 N. Haddon Ave. in Haddonfield before moving to 141 Kings Highway East. Three years ago, Little Tuna moved to 4 N. White Horse Pike in Lindenwold. The Little Tuna's owners announced their Feb. 1 closure here on Facebook. They cited the coronavirus pandemic as a factor in their decision.  “Twenty years ago, we could not have imagined the 7,000 or so days, the more than 90,000 operating hours, the countless smiling faces, or the innumerable memories we would come…
Former Art Teacher Files Federal Discrimination Lawsuit Against Central PA School: Report Former Art Teacher Files Federal Discrimination Lawsuit Against Central PA School: Report
Former Art Teacher Files Federal Discrimination Lawsuit Against Central PA School: Report An elementary school art teacher has filed a federal lawsuit against her former employer, according to PennLive. Sarah Steinhauer, a designer who was previously employed by East Pennsboro Elementary School, has filed the lawsuit with the U.S. Middle District Court against the school district and one of the principals over discriminatory practices and allegedly false claims that she vandalized the school, PennLive reports citing a complaint by Steinhauer. Steinhauer has publicly posted on social media that she wanted to remain as a teacher at the school but had joined social movements abou…
Another NJ Bed Bath & Beyond Store Closing, Report Says Another NJ Bed Bath & Beyond Store Closing, Report Says
Another NJ Bed Bath & Beyond Store Closing, Report Says Another Bed Bath & Beyond store is expected to close permanently this fall, part of a nationwide closure plan affecting about 200 locations. The major retailer’s store at 400 Marin Blvd. in Jersey City is set to close in November, a store employee told NJ Advance Media. In July 2020, Bed Bath & Beyond officials announced that 200 of its namesake stores would be shut down over a two-year period -- accounting for about one-fifth of all its BB & B stores nationwide. The big-box chain cited a steep drop in sales due to the coronavirus pandemic at the time.  Two other Bed Bath …
NY Removes 'Archaic' Measure That Kept Hair Salons, Barbershops Closed On Sundays NY Removes 'Archaic' Measure That Kept Hair Salons, Barbershops Closed On Sundays
NY Removes 'Archaic' Measure That Kept Hair Salons, Barbershops Closed On Sundays New York has amended an “archaic law” that prohibited barbershops from operating on Sundays. This week, legislation was signed into law that will give local New York hair salons and barber shops the option of being open to customers on Sunday as many businesses continue recovering financially from the pandemic. Before New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law on Tuesday, July 13, it was a misdemeanor to provide a haircut or shave to customers on Sundays, though it was rarely, if ever, enforced. Previously, the law said that "any person who carries on or engages in the business of…
Six Flags' Jersey Devil Coaster: 'World's Tallest, Fastest, Longest' Finally Rolls Six Flags' Jersey Devil Coaster: 'World's Tallest, Fastest, Longest' Finally Rolls
Six Flags' Jersey Devil Coaster: 'World's Tallest, Fastest, Longest' Finally Rolls Six Flags Great Adventure's Jersey Devil Coaster starts rolling and coasting for park visitors, for the first time, this Sunday, park officials said. But strap yourself in tight. The brand spanking new ride spans 10 football fields -- or 1,000 yards -- overlooking the Jersey Shore in Jackson. The risky ride reaches speeds of up to 58 mph, mounts a 130-foot hill and plummets 87-degrees on its initial descent, park officials said. If that's not enough for Jersey daredevils, the coaster makes three inversions, park officials said: A 180-degree stall, a raven dive and a zero-gravity roll.…
COVID-19: Hudson Valley Infection Rate Remains Highest In NY; Here's Latest Rundown Of Cases COVID-19: Hudson Valley Infection Rate Remains Highest In NY; Here's Latest Rundown Of Cases
Covid-19: Hudson Valley Infection Rate Remains Highest In NY; Here's Latest Rundown Of Cases After seeing several days of rising positive COVID-19 infection rates in the Hudson Valley, the region saw a slight downtick, though it still remains the hottest spot for the virus in New York State. In the Hudson Valley, the positivity rate rose to 4.8 percent as of Sunday, March 28 before dipping back to 3.71 percent the following day, the highest rate in the state. Only Long Island (4.34 percent) and New York City (4.21 percent) had an infection rate above 4 percent out of the state's 10 regions. Statewide, the average infection rate dropped from 3.45 percent to 3.43 percent through Mon…
Tolls Rise On These 7 Delaware River Bridges, Twice, Thanks To COVID-19 Tolls Rise On These 7 Delaware River Bridges, Twice, Thanks To COVID-19
Tolls Rise On These 7 Delaware River Bridges, Twice, Thanks To Covid-19 Underuse of Delaware River bridges during the past year's coronavirus pandemic is prompting officials to increase tolls for the first time in a decade. Tolls on the bridges operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission will increase on April 11 and again in 2024 after commissioners voted Monday to raise them for the first time in 10 years. Commissioners cited the decline in passenger car traffic and toll revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the burden of maintaining 13 toll “free” bridges with revenue from the seven toll bridges. The commission approved the toll inc…
COVID-19: Hudson Valley Sees Uptick In Positive-Test Rate; New Breakdown Of Cases By County COVID-19: Hudson Valley Sees Uptick In Positive-Test Rate; New Breakdown Of Cases By County
Covid-19: Hudson Valley Sees Uptick In Positive-Test Rate; New Breakdown Of Cases By County The positive COVID-19 infection rate is raising red flags for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as the region continues to see a rise in positive cases while the rest of the state is trending in the right direction. In the Hudson Valley, the average seven-day positivity rate rose again, from 4.62 percent on Monday, March 22, to 4.69 percent the following day, to 4.76 on Tuesday, March 23, the highest in the state. Only Long Island (4.38 percent) and New York City (4.14 percent) have positive infection rates above 4 percent among regions in New York. "Long Island and the Hudson Valley have been pr…
Popular Atlantic County Mall Could Have Power Shut Off Popular Atlantic County Mall Could Have Power Shut Off
Popular Atlantic County Mall Could Have Power Shut Off A popular mall in Atlantic County could lose power if its electric bills aren’t paid soon, according to the utility company. Atlantic City Electric posted a notice on the doors of Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing this week notifying the owners that electric service will be cut off on April 7 unless overdue bills are paid. “Electric service to the Hamilton Mall will be disconnected for non-payment unless the past due balance has been paid in full or an agreement has been made between the Landlord/Owner and ACE. Please make any arrangements and take any and all necessary precautions prior to tha…
COVID-19: CT Sees 3,900-Plus Cases; Latest Data By Community, County COVID-19: CT Sees 3,900-Plus Cases; Latest Data By Community, County
Covid-19: CT Sees 3,900-Plus Cases; Latest Data By Community, County Nearly 4,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Connecticut over the weekend after surpassing a total of 250,000 last week.  In his latest COVID-19 update, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced there were 101,971 COVID-19 tests administered over the weekend, resulting in 3,931 newly confirmed infections, bringing the total to 253,954 statewide since the pandemic began. The 3.86 percent infection rate among those tested is slightly higher than last week, though a far cry from the "post-holiday spike" in cases that saw that number hovering near 10 percent last month. Seventy-three new …
COVID-19: NY Health Director Denies Undercount On Nursing Home Deaths After Scathing AG Report COVID-19: NY Health Director Denies Undercount On Nursing Home Deaths After Scathing AG Report
Covid-19: NY Health Director Denies Undercount On Nursing Home Deaths After Scathing AG Report New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker is defending the state following Attorney General Letitia James’ newly released report that alleges COVID-19 deaths in the state's nursing homes were underreported by as much as 50 percent. The report found the state negligible for COVID-19-related deaths inside New York nursing homes that had previously gone unreported, which Zucker has denied in a lengthy statement released late on Thursday, Jan. 28, just hours after the report was released. Earlier story - COVID-19: NY AG Report Says Nursing Home Deaths May Have Been Undercounted By 50 Percent …
COVID-19: Here's Brand-New Breakdown Of Dutchess County Cases By Community COVID-19: Here's Brand-New Breakdown Of Dutchess County Cases By Community
Covid-19: Here's Brand-New Breakdown Of Dutchess County Cases By Community There are now more than 1,500 active COVID-19 cases being monitored in Dutchess County as the Hudson Valley contends with the second wave of the virus. There were nine new virus-related deaths reported in Dutchess in the past week, as the total rose to 215, while the number of active cases rose from 1,330 to 1,511 as of Monday, Dec. 21, according to the county Department of Health. Late last month, the county was only monitoring approximately 200 active cases. There have now been 10,238 - approximately 1,000 new this week - confirmed COVID-19 cases since the outbreak began in early March o…
Some Blame COVID: Paterson Man Gunned Down, City Homicides Break 30-Year High Some Blame COVID: Paterson Man Gunned Down, City Homicides Break 30-Year High
Some Blame COVID: Paterson Man Gunned Down, City Homicides Break 30-Year High A man found shot dead in a Paterson gas station parking lot Wednesday became the 23rd victim gunned down in the Silk City this year. The body of Michael Richardson, 33, was found on the ground of the BP station at Broadway and Summer Street, in a neighborhood rife with drugs and gangs, shortly after 3 p.m., authorities said. He'd been shot in the head, said detectives who were searching for a juvenile who reportedly fled the scene. Richardson was taken to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes and city Police Chief Ibrah…
HOMEBOUND? University Students Air Virtual Performance From Gloucester HOMEBOUND? University Students Air Virtual Performance From Gloucester
Homebound? University Students Air Virtual Performance From Gloucester Stuck at home?  Beginning Wednesday, a free Rowan University online theatre production celebrates and mixes 1980s songs and local, national TV news broadcasts and topical issues to correlate with 2020 experiences. Undeterred by the coronavirus pandemic, Gloucester County's Rowan University students produced ‘Breaking News," a virtual  cabaret show.  Rowan University College of Performing Arts’ student-produced show will be aired for free online viewing through Sunday, Dec. 20, according to NJ Advance Media.  The production mixes 1980s songs and local, national TV …
COVID-19: Here's Brand-New Breakdown Of Orange County Cases By Municipality COVID-19: Here's Brand-New Breakdown Of Orange County Cases By Municipality
Covid-19: Here's Brand-New Breakdown Of Orange County Cases By Municipality The positive COVID-19 infection rate continues to rise in Orange County as the number of confirmed cases also spikes.  There were 57 new COVID-19 cases reported in Orange County, according to the state Department of Health, bringing the total to 14,055 since the pandemic began. According to the Department of Health, there are currently 38 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Orange County, down from 40 earlier in the week with 15 under investigation with possible cases of COVID-19. Of the 231,919 COVID-19 tests administered in Orange County, 6.1 percent of them have come back positive, d…
40 Years After Coming To Town, Wyckoff McDonald's Closes 40 Years After Coming To Town, Wyckoff McDonald's Closes
40 Years After Coming To Town, Wyckoff McDonald's Closes Not everyone welcomed McDonald’s when it sought a Wyckoff address 40 years ago. Bringing the hamburger chain to their affluent Bergen County suburb would create a domino effect that would “cheapen” its character, some contended.  Look no further than some foreign cities, said one resident, pointing to golden arches and trash along the Champs de Elysees. More fast-food joints wouldn't be far behind, he said. The opposition was strong, but it was nowhere near as intense as when Dairy Queen rolled up five years earlier. Township planners eventually OK’d the new burger joint in the Boulder R…
Largest US Dark Web Sweep Ever: 179 Busted, Half-Ton Drugs, $6.5M Seized In Operation DisrupTor Largest US Dark Web Sweep Ever: 179 Busted, Half-Ton Drugs, $6.5M Seized In Operation DisrupTor
Largest US Dark Web Sweep Ever: 179 Busted, Half-Ton Drugs, $6.5M Seized In Operation DisrupTor Authorities seized more than $6.5 million in cash and virtual currency, as well as more than half a ton of drugs, in the largest dark web bust ever in the U.S., the Justice Department announced Tuesday. A total of 179 buyers and sellers were charged worldwide by law enforcement agencies in the United States and Europe as part of Operation DisrupTor, named for the heavily-encrypted private web browser (Tor) most often used to access the dark web, authorities said. More than 600 pounds of fentanyl, heroin, other opioids and cocaine were seized in the U.S. alone. Authorities charged 121 peopl…
COVID-19: New Poll Reveals Outlook On Economy From Chambers Of Commerce Leaders Nationwide COVID-19: New Poll Reveals Outlook On Economy From Chambers Of Commerce Leaders Nationwide
Covid-19: New Poll Reveals Outlook On Economy From Chambers Of Commerce Leaders Nationwide Although 90 percent of Chamber of Commerce executives said that business conditions in their municipalities have worsened, only 55 percent expect improvement before the end of 2021, according to a new poll by the Siena College Research Institute. According to the poll, which surveyed 796 chamber of commerce members throughout the country over the course of August, 32 percent of executives felt that business conditons in their districts would deteriorate even further than they already have amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  Sixty-one percent of those polled reported that their chamber'…
COVID Flight: New Jersey, New York Lead US In Out-Of-State Moves, CT Close Behind, Survey Says COVID Flight: New Jersey, New York Lead US In Out-Of-State Moves, CT Close Behind, Survey Says
COVID Flight: New Jersey, New York Lead US In Out-Of-State Moves, CT Close Behind, Survey Says New Jersey and New York are leading the nation in the percentage of household relocations to other states, driven by the “new normal” of the coronavirus pandemic, a recent survey shows. A whopping 69% of all New Jersey residents who moved from March 1 to Aug. 19 relocated out of state, UniGroup reports. That’s just about 7 of every 10. New York is close behind at 67%, with Connecticut fourth at 64%. Residents from New Jersey and New York mostly moved to suburbs and smaller towns in Florida, Texas and other Sunbelt states between March and July, Bloomberg reported. Vermont, Idaho, Oregon a…
COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans 'Embarrassed' By Pandemic Response, New Poll Reveals COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans 'Embarrassed' By Pandemic Response, New Poll Reveals
Covid-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans 'Embarrassed' By Pandemic Response, New Poll Reveals More than half of Americans disapprove of the Trump administration's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak according to a new CNN poll, and a majority say they're "embarrassed" by the country's response.  CNN polled 1,108 individuals via telephone between Aug. 12 and Aug. 15. A disproportionate number of individuals living in 15 battleground states, 305, were included.  Thirty-one percent of those polled described themselves as Democrats, 27 percent identified as Republicans, and the rest were unaffiliated or a member of a third party. President Donald Trump could be doing more to c…
Overcrowding Temporarily Closes Popular NJ Beach Overcrowding Temporarily Closes Popular NJ Beach
Overcrowding Temporarily Closes Popular NJ Beach Access to a popular Jersey Shore beach was closed due to overcrowding Sunday. Local police began turning Long Branch beachgoers away around 2 p.m., advising them to try again in an hour. Visitors appeared to be crammed together, despite signs encouraging social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. Some were even setting up beach chairs on the boardwalk. Gov. Phil Murphy last Wednesday signed an executive order making face coverings mandatory outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
NJ Extends Unemployment Benefits Another 20 Weeks NJ Extends Unemployment Benefits Another 20 Weeks
NJ Extends Unemployment Benefits Another 20 Weeks Most of New Jersey's unemployed workers will be eligible for 20 more weeks of unemployment benefits -- totaling more than a year's worth of jobless pay, authorities said. Prior to Wednesday's announcement by the state Labor Department, unemployed New Jerseyans ran out of state and federal benefits after 39 weeks, About 1.3 million workers have filed for unemployment benefits in New Jersey since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The Labor Department paid $8.2 billion in state and federal benefits to eligible workers over that three-month period. “The state extension kicks in after clai…
Reopening Date Set For NJ Indoor Dining, Casinos Reopening Date Set For NJ Indoor Dining, Casinos
Reopening Date Set For NJ Indoor Dining, Casinos Indoor dining can resume at 25 percent capacity in New Jersey on July 2, Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday in a tweet. Casinos can reopen the same day, also at 25 percent capacity, the governor said. Additional health and safety guidance will be released within the next several days, he added. Restaurants were. limited to takeout and delivery service in mid-March to stop the spread of coronavirus, and reopened for outdoor dining on June 15. This is a developing story. Check back for more.
COVID-19: Man Who Grew Up Minus Dad Has Millions Of Fans Watching Fatherly Advice Amid Outbreak COVID-19: Man Who Grew Up Minus Dad Has Millions Of Fans Watching Fatherly Advice Amid Outbreak
Covid-19: Man Who Grew Up Minus Dad Has Millions Of Fans Watching Fatherly Advice Amid Outbreak With millions of people stuck in homes during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, do-it-yourself projects have become popular. But a big problem came to light in the process. Namely, many people, both younger and older, found out they didn't know how to do a lot of things. Some were as simple as how to tie a tie, how to put together and start a grill, to going big and attempting to build a rollercoaster for their kids. Well, one dad, who said his father left when he was a 12-year-old  came to the rescue and started a YouTube channel, "Dad, How Do I?"  It shows how to han…
COVID-19: Here's What To Expect As CT Shifts To Phase 2 Of Reopening COVID-19: Here's What To Expect As CT Shifts To Phase 2 Of Reopening
Covid-19: Here's What To Expect As CT Shifts To Phase 2 Of Reopening Upwards of 95 percent of Connecticut’s economy will be opening up this week as the state recovers from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. When Connecticut enters Phase 2 of its economic reopening on Wednesday, June 17, the majority of businesses statewide will be permitted to open up shop, though there will be strict restrictions put in place. Rules include specific information about physical distancing, facility capacity, sanitizing and disinfecting standards, personal protective equipment for employees, staggered scheduling, new training on safety, and face coverings must be worn…
24 Hour Fitness Closing 7 New Jersey Gyms 24 Hour Fitness Closing 7 New Jersey Gyms
24 Hour Fitness Closing 7 New Jersey Gyms 24 Hour Fitness will be closing seven gyms across North Jersey amid the coronavirus pandemic. The company in a statement Monday said it filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will be closing 130 locations across the U.S. Among them are ones in Jersey City, Hasbrouck Heights, Piscataway, Saddle Brook, Wayne, Whippany and Woodbrige. "Removing these financial and operational constraints allows us to focus entirely on transforming our business and the club experience for the better," the chain said.  "We will have the financial flexibility and resources to upgrade equipment and ex…
No Mask, No Service: Police Seek Newark Man Who Threatened Lives Of Market Workers No Mask, No Service: Police Seek Newark Man Who Threatened Lives Of Market Workers
No Mask, No Service: Police Seek Newark Man Who Threatened Lives Of Market Workers Authorities in Newark are seeking a man accused of threatening the lives of grocery store workers who told him he couldn't come in without a face mask amid the coronavirus pandemic. The man, pictured above, became angry when workers of Brother Grocery Deli on 18th Avenue banned him from coming in without a face mask around 2 p.m. Monday, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said. He threatened the workers' lives before fleeing eastbound on 18th Avenue, then north onto West End Avenue, Ambrose said. Anyone with information is urged to call the Division's 24-hour Crime Stopper ti…
Feds: Ex-Reality Star Uses $2 Million Business Pandemic Loan For Jewelry, Child Support Feds: Ex-Reality Star Uses $2 Million Business Pandemic Loan For Jewelry, Child Support
Feds: Ex-Reality Star Uses $2 Million Business Pandemic Loan For Jewelry, Child Support Former “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Maurice “Arkansas Mo” Fayne used a $2,045,800 coronavirus pandemic loan on jewelry for himself – including a 5.73-carat diamond ring – and child support, among other illegal purposes, said federal authorities who charged him with bank fraud. Federal agents who raided Fayne’s Georgia home this week said they seized roughly $80,000 in cash -- including $9,400 that they said he had in his pockets. The 37-year-old Fayne secured the loan in the name of a corporation that he called Flame Trucking to support 107 employees and an average monthly payroll of …
COVID-19: CT Hair Salons Now Cleared To Use Blow Dryers After They Were Initially Banned COVID-19: CT Hair Salons Now Cleared To Use Blow Dryers After They Were Initially Banned
Covid-19: CT Hair Salons Now Cleared To Use Blow Dryers After They Were Initially Banned Hair salons in Connecticut will be permitted to use blow dryers when they begin reopening next week, according to Gov. Ned Lamont’s office. Lamont said initially that hair salons choosing to reopen on Wednesday, May 20, would not be allowed to use blow dryers, citing concerns of particles circulating through the air amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Earlier story - COVID-19: Connecticut Unveils Guidelines For Reopenings In Four Business Sectors However, on Monday, May 11, David Lehman, the commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, said the b…