NEWARK — A 19-year-old from neighboring Irvington who was arrested following a car crash in this city in March is now charged with trafficking a dozen vehicles at a value of more than $1 million.
The New Jersey State Police on Thursday announced charges of eluding, assault by auto, obstruction, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property, and leading an auto theft trafficking network against Tyquan Black, who was not injured in that March 20 crash.
On that date, State Police said, troopers from the Totowa station were notified that a Porsche Cayenne had been stolen out of Wyckoff, in Bergen County.
Porsche was able to update State Police on the vehicle’s location via GPS technology, and troopers tracked it to an intersection in Newark, from which they say Black ran a red light and struck a nearby ambulance.
In Thursday’s release, State Police did not identify any other individuals suspected of being involved in the ring.
Voting for the 2022 class of the New Jersey Hall of Fame
These are the nominees for the 2022 class of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. They come from all walks of live, spanning generations back to the colonial era. The nominees cover the categories of Arts & Letters, Enterprise, Performing Arts & Entertainment, Public Service and Sports.
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NJ beach tags guide for summer 2022
We’re coming up on another summer at the Jersey Shore! Before you get lost in the excitement of sunny days on the sand, we’re running down how much seasonal/weekly/daily beach tags will cost you, and the pre-season deals you can still take advantage of!
BE READY LAUNCHES AS FIRST NEW JERSEY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE DEDICATED TO ELECTING BLACK WOMEN IN THE STATE
Organization will Also Advocate to Advance a Black Women’s Policy Agenda
NEWARK, NJ –– Be Ready, the first political action committee dedicated to disrupting inequity in New Jersey by increasing the number of Black women in elected office in the state, has launched.
Led by a group of Black women with proven experience in organizing, managing campaigns, and advancing issues at the state and local levels, Be Ready will also work to advance a policy agenda centered on the issues most closely affecting Black women, largely inspired by the results of a poll of Black women in New Jersey recently commissioned by the organization’s sister non-profit Project Ready. The poll found that Black women under 40 felt largely disconnected and discouraged about their economic prospects and are less likely to vote in the upcoming midterm congressional elections than their older peers.
“We started Be Ready because for all the national talk about trusting in and supporting Black women, we don’t see the rubber meeting the road when it comes to advancing their agenda or electing Black women to positions of power,” said Be Ready Executive Director, Shennell McCloud. “Realizing the gaps that exist among Black women in politics, this organization is all about taking matters into our own hands and opening channels of opportunity for more Black women to succeed.”
The PAC builds explicitly on the lived experiences and issues directly facing New Jersey’s Black women, including education, economic justice, child care, and health. Be Ready’s work will focus on two areas: advancing a Black women’s policy agenda and electing Black women to office. Understanding that the two issues are linked and dually challenging in the fight for Black women in political leadership, the PAC aims to work alongside elected officials to advance a policy agenda that centers the needs of Black women.
Ruiz Lauds EDA Investment in Child Care Facilities Improvement
Trenton – Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz issued the following statement praising the Economic Developments Authority’s implementation of the $54.5 million Child Care Facilities Improvement Pilot Program:
“Last June, the legislature advanced legislation to provide $100 million to bolster the state’s child care infrastructure, including $54.5 million to go towards facility updates. With the COVID-19 pandemic taking an especially hard toll on the child care industry, which already operated on very small margins, I want to thank the EDA for getting this money out the door to those who need it. Major renovations and repairs were difficult under normal circumstances and they have become near impossible given the strain the last two years have placed on facilities around the state. This funding will offer a much needed lifeline to businesses who have fought hard to keep their doors open. I look forward to working with the EDA as we continue to work to expand access to high quality child care around the state.”
Five people were shot on a Paterson street Wednesday night including a 15-year-old girl fatally shot in the head Thursday night.
Shots were fired around 10:20 p.m. in the area of Madison Street and Essex Street in the Sandy Hill section of Paterson, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes. Officers found the teen, who was from North Haledon, lying on Essex Street with a gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shooting scene in the area of Madison Street and Essex Street in Paterson 5/11/22
Shooting scene in the area of Madison Street and Essex Street in Paterson 5/11/22 (RLS Metro Breaking News)
Four additional victims — a 29-year-old male from Paterson, a 26-year-old male from Paterson, a 32-year-old male from Paterson, and a 21-year-old male from Paterson — also suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, and were treated at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center.
Valdes did not disclose the identity of anyone who was shot or the circumstances of the crash.
The shooting is the 9th fatal shooting in Paterson this year, according to a NorthJersey.com count.
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Every NJ city and town’s municipal tax bill, ranked
A little less than 30 cents of every $1 in property taxes charged in New Jersey support municipal services provided by cities, towns, townships, boroughs and villages. Statewide, the average municipal-only tax bill in 2021 was $2,725, but that varied widely from more than $13,000 in Tavistock to nothing in three townships. In addition to $9.22 billion in municipal purpose taxes, special taxing districts that in some places provide municipal services such as fire protection, garbage collection or economic development levied $323.8 million in 2021.
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A comprehensive study has just been released using data from 35 European nations.
The study compared the percentage of the population wearing a mask to the deaths per million from/with COVID.
The not-at-all surprising results for this writer are clear. COVID was worse in many nations that had more than 50% of the population complying regularly with masking. COVID deaths were LOWER in countries that experienced very low compliance with masks.
The study accounts for vaccination rates but quickly debunks that given the timing of the study. Here’s the pullquote:
One of these factors could have been different vaccination rates among the studied countries. However, this is unlikely given the fact that at the end of the period analysed in this study (31th March 2021), vaccination rollout was still at its beginning, with only three countries displaying vaccination rates higher than 20%: the UK (48%), Serbia (35%), and Hungary (30%), with all doses counted individually [9].
It could also be claimed that the rise in infection levels prompted mask usage resulting in higher levels of masking in countries with already higher transmission rates. While this assertion is certainly true for some countries, several others with high infection rates, such as France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain had strict mask mandates in place since the first semester of 2020.
This should be the topic of discussion when policymakers in our school system and our state and local government discuss what policy to pursue going forward.
While no cause-effect conclusions could be inferred from this observational analysis, the lack of negative correlations between mask usage and COVID-19 cases and deaths suggest that the widespread use of masks at a time when an effective intervention was most needed, i.e., during the strong 2020-2021 autumn-winter peak, was not able to reduce COVID-19 transmission.
Moreover, the moderate positive correlation between mask usage and deaths in Western Europe also suggests that the universal use of masks may have had harmful unintended consequences.
Given the near-zero impact COVID has on kids, we should stop testing and certainly never again entertain the disastrous policy of universal masking, distance, and isolation. The negative impact of school closures is well documented whether it’s minority kids or anyone else for that matter.
The worst thing we can do is ignore the science that shows the policies of lockdowns, isolation, and masks did not do what the policymakers told us they would do.
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill’s own. Bill Spadea is on the air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m., talkin’ Jersey, taking your calls at 1-800-283-1015.
LOOK: States With the Most New Small Businesses Per Capita
Every NJ city and town’s municipal tax bill, ranked
A little less than 30 cents of every $1 in property taxes charged in New Jersey support municipal services provided by cities, towns, townships, boroughs and villages. Statewide, the average municipal-only tax bill in 2021 was $2,725, but that varied widely from more than $13,000 in Tavistock to nothing in three townships. In addition to $9.22 billion in municipal purpose taxes, special taxing districts that in some places provide municipal services such as fire protection, garbage collection or economic development levied $323.8 million in 2021.
This weekend is jam-packed with fun for families in the Garden State! Take the kids to the Cognizant Founders Cup to inspire a love of golf and get some much-needed time together outdoors. Celebrate spring at Mayfest in Historic Smithville, learn how to grow and harvest delicious herbs at Terhune Orchards or adopt a pup (while sipping a pint!) in Haddon Twp. Happy weekending!
ALL WEEKEND
LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup Upper Montclair Country Club, Clifton Thursday – Sunday The world’s best professional women golfers are set to tee it up in the 2022 LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup. The Cognizant Founders Cup, one of the most celebrated events on the LPGA Tour, pays tribute to the 13 women – known as the Founders – who created the LPGA Tour over 70 years ago, including surviving founders, Marlene Bauer Hagge and Shirley Spork.
MAYFEST
Mayfest Historic Smithville, Galloway Saturday – Sunday Historic Smithville hosts over 100 juried crafters, an international food court, music, kids’ activities, non-profit organizations and much more for this event. All of this is in addition to 50 Shoppes, seven eateries, a carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats, arcade, on-site lodging at the Colonial Inn and over 26 free weekend events.
Exit Zero Jazz Festival Exit Zero Ferry Park, North Cape May Friday – Sunday This three-day music festival features international touring artists on two outdoor stages overlooking the Delaware Bay. Don’t miss headliners Mingus Big Band, Marcus Miller and Arturo Sandoval. Each night, the music continues with shows in the bars and restaurants of Cape May.
Valley Stream Carnival Arthur J. Hendrickson Park & Pool, Valley Stream Thursday – Sunday There’s something for everyone at this family-fun event, from thrilling rides and games for all ages to tasty fair food for every appetite.
MPAC
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific MPAC, Morristown Friday – Saturday Love transcends the harsh realities of war and prejudice in this sweeping tale centered around two unlikely love affairs. Set on a tropical island during World War II, this timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein classic features some of the most beautiful music ever composed woven into an inspiring story cherished the world over. Winner of ten Tony Awards, the beloved score’s songs include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and “There is Nothing Like A Dame,” amidst big Broadway performances and a chorus of American sailors and Navy nurses ready to transport you to Bali Ha’i.
PuchiCon PA Camelback Resort, Tannersville, PA Saturday – Sunday Join for a weekend full of anime, gaming, cosplay, maid cafe, karaoke, screenings and much more. It’s all ages, all-inclusive fun! Don’t miss the onsite indoor waterpark, treetop activities, arcade and more.
The Addams Family Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal Park Saturday – Sunday The Axelrod Performing Arts Academy presents this new musical by Andrew Lippa with a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. America’s favorite “creepy and kooky” family, The Addams Family was a hit TV series in the 1960s and the subject of five Hollywood films. The musical is based on Charles Addams’ original single-panel cartoons and the musical focuses on an 18-year-old Wednesday who has fallen in love with a “normal” teenager from Ohio and the chaos that ensues as the Addams face the possibility of changing their traditional macabre ways.
FRIDAY
HISTORIC SMITHVILLE
May Car Cruises Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Galloway Stop by the Village Greene at Historic Smithville from 5 pm – 8 pm to see some spectacular vehicles on display, or show off one of your own! The Car Cruise is a perfect hang-out for all car enthusiasts to see, show, and talk cars.
Little Ones Nature Series Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury This is a weekly outdoor nature program for ages 3-5 with parents featuring a story, activities and crafts. Come explore what’s happening in the Spring at the Plainsboro Preserve. The program will be held mostly outdoors so please dress for the weather.
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy, as he leaves his home planet, battles the evil Empire and learns the ways of the Force. Don’t miss Star Wars: A New Hope in concert, with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live to the complete film.
SATURDAY
Forest Therapy Walk Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury Based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy Walks are designed to engage one’s senses and allow individuals to reconnect to the More Than Human World. These walks are slow, deliberate explorations that cover on average less than a mile while benefiting participants physically, emotionally and spiritually. Each walk is designed to be under a mile in length and concludes with a modified tea ceremony.
Happy Birthday Mr. Olmstead Parks Celebration Anderson Park, Montclair Friends of Anderson Park is celebrating the 200th birthday of the pioneering landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted. Live music, kids’ activities, a puppet show, vintage bicycles and a half-hour theatrical living-history portrayal of Olmsted are all part of this free celebration.
Birding Jugtown Mountain Jugtown Mountain Nature Preserve, Asbury Principal Park Naturalist Laura Bush will guide the group through the forest habitat where Hooded Warblers, Worm-eating Warblers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have been observed in the past. Expect to walk at least 1 ½ miles with a gradual slope on the return. This event is for birders of any ability level and binoculars will be available to borrow. Please note, there are no restroom facilities at this location.
History Day 2022 East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway Visit East Jersey Old Town Village for History Day! Festivities include a vintage baseball game Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers historic gardening and agriculture stone carving a 19th century print shop home and hearth demonstrations live music horse-drawn wagon rides food trucks children’s games and crafts and much more! ADA accessible, admission and parking are free of charge.
For the Birds! Family Program City Green’s Farm Eco-Center, Clifton Join City Green in the Learning Farm for games, crafts and garden exploration to learn all about local birds and why they are so important for the garden. This workshop is available for children ages 5-12.
Broadway at Westfield Garden State Plaza Paramus Westfield Garden State Plaza is hosting a free 15-week series every Saturday through June 25 that features performances from hit Broadway shows for children in partnership with Bergen Performing Arts Center. Come out and see memorable scenes and songs from your favorite Broadway shows and modern movies — this weekend it’s “Frozen.”
TERHUNE ORCHARDS
Pam’s Annual Herb and Garden Class Terhune Orchards, Princeton Come to a free herb growing and using workshop. Owner of Terhune Orchards, Pam Mount, has been growing and using herbs here at Terhune Orchards for over 35 years. Pam’s class is a great way for home gardener to learn tips on growing and combining herb plants in the garden. She will discuss herb garden planning, care and maintenance, as well as some tips for using fresh herbs. The class will be held in Pam’s perennial herb garden.
My Beauty is My Aesthetic: Teen Expo New Jersey State Museum, Trenton Join Artworks Trenton and New Jersey State Museum for art, food and fun. Explore the exhibition “Posing Beauty in African American Culture” and make art with three local artists. The event is free, but registration is required.
6th Annual Bridgewater Beerfest Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC, Bridgewater The community is invited to attend the Beerfest event that benefits The JCC Sustainability Fund and JCC Special Needs programs for children and adults. The Beerfest will feature tastings of more than 40 beers. The event will also include bourbon and tequila tastings. There will be live music and food will be available for purchase from food trucks.
Under Cover Music Fest Sloan Street Parking Lot, South Orange This one-of-a-kind event features world-class musicians performing covers of the most popular hits from a collection of famous artists: The Grateful Dead (Deadful Greats), Herbie Hancock (Karl Latham Big Fun(K)), Stevie Wonder (Vivienne Frederick and Mark Murphy’s Music Faculty Band), Lauryn Hill (Autumn Jones ), Phil Collins (Dustin Kaufman) and Led Zeppelin (Charlie Pollock and Friends).
PUPS & PINTS
Pups & Pints The Pour House, Haddon Twp. This free-admission event will feature the best local brews and pet-centric events for our four-legged friends. Attendees can also meet with pets available for adoption and even take a chance at winning paw-some prizes and raffles. Furry friends can show off their best costumes, sample treats, paint with their paws and pose for pet photos.
SUNDAY
MPAC
The Laurie Berkner Band MPAC, Morristown Recognized as “the queen of kids’ music” Laurie Berkner has released thirteen bestselling, award-winning albums, was the first recording artist ever to perform in music videos on Nick Jr., appeared regularly on the network’s Jack’s Big Music Show, and helped develop the short-form animated musical preschool series Sing It, Laurie! on Sprout TV. The popular group will perform their greatest hits.
Garden State Plaza Food Truck and Music Fest Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus Come on out to this fun festival for 14+ food trucks, live music, games and activities for all ages. There will be an air soft shooting range, hatchet tossing, extreme grand prix racing, Boardwalk-style games, bounce houses, face painters, Henna by Dana and more.
Family Woodland Hike New Jersey Botanical Gardens, Ringwood An easy, child-friendly hike in the Garden’s woodlands, where you’ll learn a bit about the plants, animals and geology around you in a hike designed to fit the group. Smaller children may need to be carried. Wear sturdy shoes, meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center. Rain cancels. Free, donations welcome.
Crepuscular Crawl Walk The New Weis Center for Education, Arts and Recreation, Ringwood Some animals are nocturnal, some are diurnal, but others take advantage of the in between, and those are the crepuscular creatures. These animals are most active at dawn and dusk. On this moderate-paced evening hike visitors will look for the animals active at this crepuscular hour (bats, nighthawks, caterpillars, deer) and observe what goes on in the forest during the transition from day to night.
ONGOING
WHIPPANY RAILWAY MUSEUM
May 2022 Train Rides Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany Sundays Passengers can board a caboose and experience an old-fashioned, relaxing way of spending a Sunday afternoon with the family. Children will love swaying to the motion of the old cars while they listen to the nostalgic “clickety-clack” sounds the wheels make as they clatter over the rail joints. During the 45-minute ride, the train travels the route of the historic “Whippanong Trail” through Whippany, East Hanover, Livingston and Roseland in Morris and Essex Counties. The ride also features the thrill of crossing high above the Passaic River over a steel bridge.
Winery Weekend Music Series Terhune Orchards., Princeton Saturday – Sunday Grab a glass of one of Terhune’s award-winning wines, sit back, relax and enjoy live music from local artists each week. Styles range from Jazz and Blues to Folk and Rock. Music is from 1 pm-4 pm.
A Seaside Heights man has been indicted by an Ocean County Grand Jury for murdering a woman at the Offshore Motel in the borough on May 1 of 2021, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced on Wednesday.
Gerardo Ruiz, 51, of Seaside Heights, was indicted on a charge of murder for causing the death of Alecia Perreault, 29, of Seaside Heights.
Police received a call on May 1, 2021, around 7:30 am from someone who said that they had knowledge Ruiz killed a woman at the Offshore Motel in Seaside Heights but that the man accused of killing the 29-year old was staying at the Surfside Motel, which is also in the borough, according to Prosecutor Billhimer.
When Seaside Heights Police arrived at the Offshore Motel to investigate the claims, they found Alecia Perreault dead at the scene with apparent wounds to her neck and then later found Ruiz in his Surfside Motel room suffering from an apparent drug overdose.
Ruiz was then brought to Community Medical Center in Toms River, and in the protective custody of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, as the investigation into the murder continued forward.
Following his eventual release from the hospital, Ruiz was brought to, and detained in a secure medical facility, according to Prosecutor Billhimer.
As the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Seaside Heights Police Detectives, looked into the homicide they gathered evidence and were able to determine that Ruiz was responsible for Alecia Perreault’s death.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State.
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You know how much I love Great Adventure. It’s always a fun, family day for us.
Yes, I still call it Great Adventure. Six Flags Great Adventure has some awesome roller coasters. The best roller coaster in Ocean County is at Six Flags.
Indoor, looping, the tallest, and of course the runaway train, that I still love. Six Flags has a fan favorite screamer with the best roller coaster in Ocean County. I will say it is not one of my favorites, I feel like I’m going to fall out all the time when I ride it.
Digital Vision, Evansville / Owensboro
Digital Vision, Evansville / Owensboro
I do love Medusa, Skull Mountain, Batman, and The Dark Knight. But this one coaster that got voted the number one roller coaster, gets me every time. I’ve been on it several times. I have a friend that goes on this coaster two and three times while we are in the park.
We recently did our own “Shawn & Sue” poll for your favorite indoor coaster. at Six Flags Great Adventure and there were so many votes There were so many votes that came in for your favorite indoor roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure, Skull Mountain, or The Dark Knight? The “big winner” from our poll was Skull Mountain.
The very first roller coaster my daughter was ever on was Skull Mountain, so it will always have those good feelings for me.
I know, there are a lot of great roller coasters at Six Flags Great Adventure, from the tallest in the world, Kingda Ka to the runaway train. It’s always a great day when we head to Great Adventure.
My husband loves Skull Mountain, he’d always choose this one. My daughter would choose The Dark Knight. Several of her friends love Skull Mountain more. Skull Mountain seems like a regular coaster compared to a wild mouse roller coaster in The Dark Knight. Then of course that loud horn at the end of The Dark Knight always gets me all the time. I know it’s there but it still gets me to this day.
Voted by you: The Best Roller Coaster in Ocean County is El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure.
Six Flags Coaster Power Hours is on select Thursday and Friday Nights in May. Get on El Toro quicker and faster than waiting in line.
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LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in New Jersey
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in New Jersey using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
When Mickey Mantle stepped to the plate on May 23, 1956, he had hit an incredible .395 through the season’s first 33 games. That season, the Yankees legend would capture the first of his three career American League MVP awards, and he’d become the only switch hitter to capture the Triple Crown with a .353 batting average, 52 home runs and 130 RBI.
The Mick was at the peak of his Hall of Fame powers.
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County residents with old or unwanted electronics can safely dispose of them at a free, public event on Saturday, May 21.
The Essex County Utilities Authority is bringing back its Computer and Electronics Recycling Day, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Essex County Public Works (Fleet Management), 99 West Bradford Avenue in Cedar Grove.
Items that will be accepted are: computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, scanners, telecom equipment, speakers, televisions, keyboards, mainframes, VCRs, stereos, DVD players, toasters, irons and cellular telephones.
Items that won’t be accepted include smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
According to county officials:
“The Essex County Computer and Electronics Recycling Day is for Essex County residents only. Residents are not charged when they bring materials, but they must provide proof of residency at the site. Commercial businesses may not drop off materials. For more information, call the Essex County Utilities Authority at 973-792-9060 or visit www.ecuanj.com.”
“Recycling computer hardware and electronic devices helps remove lead and other dangerous chemicals from our waste stream, which is important for us and our children,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.
“Our collection days are very popular and I am glad our residents understand the importance of recycling,” DiVincenzo added.
