EAST ORANGE, New Jersey (WABC) — We could learn more about the search for missing 14-year-old Jashyah Moore today, at a news conference set by the Essex County prosecutor.
The teenager went missing nearly a month ago. She was last seen outside Poppie’s Deli on Central Avenue in East Orange.
On Tuesday night, Jashyah’s mother joined a community-led search for her daughter.
She is adamant that Jashyah did not run away, and she believes someone may have abducted her.
East Orange Police say they are working to find her, and they are now being assisted by the FBI.
But there is an undercurrent of resentment in this community from some who feel missing minority girls receive less attention from authorities.
“We have no representation,” said one resident. “We need representation.”
“We want her family to know, our community to know and the world to know, we are working Jashyah home safely,” said an East Orange Police spokesperson.
“I love you, Jashyah,” said her mom. “If you see this, don’t be scared. Mommy is going to find you… If I gotta die myself to find you, we’re gonna find you.”
She is determined to keep the public’s attention on this, planning a candlelight vigil for Friday night outside East Orange City Hall.
NEW JERSEY — Below you will find the most up-to-date information on coronavirus news impacting New Jersey. You can find additional resources and coverage on our coronavirus page.
U.S. lifts nearly 20-month international travel ban
More than a year and a half after COVID-19 concerns prompted the U.S. to close its borders to international travelers from countries including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom and much of Europe, restrictions are shifting to focus on vaccine status.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 8, bans on travel from specific countries ended. The U.S. will allow in international travelers, but they must be vaccinated — with a few exceptions.
The U.S. also reopened the land borders with Canada and Mexico for vaccinated people. Most trips from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. are by land rather than air.
U.S. appeals court halts Biden vaccine mandate for companies
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay of the requirement by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those workers be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or face mask requirements and weekly tests.
US gives final clearance to COVID vaccine for kids 5 to 11
U.S. health officials on Tuesday, Nov. 2 gave the final signoff to Pfizer’s kid-size COVID-19 shot, a milestone that opens a major expansion of the nation’s vaccination campaign to children as young as 5.
The Food and Drug Administration already authorized the shots for children ages 5 to 11 — doses just a third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention formally recommends who should receive FDA-cleared vaccines.
Vaccinated just as likely to spread delta variant within household as unvaccinated: study
People who have received COVID-19 vaccinations are able to spread the delta variant within their household just as easily as unvaccinated individuals, a new study published on Friday, Oct. 29, shows.
Child tax credit 2022: What we know so far
As inner-party conflict continues to shave off elements of President Joe Biden’s sweeping domestic policy package, there may be good news for parents. While it’s unclear what the ultimate bill will include, Democrats arrived at a framework Thursday, Oct. 28, that included a one-year extension of the expanded child tax credit.
Moderna says its low-dose COVID shot safe, effective for kids 6 to 11
FDA says Pfizer COVID vaccine looks effective for young kids
Federal health regulators said late Friday, Oct. 22, that kid-size doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine appear highly effective at preventing symptomatic infections in elementary school children and caused no unexpected safety issues, as the U.S. weighs beginning vaccinations in youngsters.
NJ among top vaccinated states in U.S.
New Jersey is among the top 10 states in the country with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates at 74%. Helping to lead the charge is Paterson, which has a 90% vaccination rate.
COVID vaccine mandate for state workers, teachers begins
Many state employees returned to in-person work on Monday, Oct. 18, the same day Gov. Phil Murphy’s requirement for them to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to regular virus testing went into effect. The vaccine or test mandate also applies to teachers in New Jersey.
IRS sending October installment of child tax credit after delay in September
Families across the country are starting to receive their October child tax credit. The IRS says the program’s fourth monthly payment is already hitting Americans’ bank accounts after a technical issue last month caused delays for some recipients.
New COVID safety guidance for the holidays released by the CDC
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released updated COVID-19 safety guidance for the holiday season on Friday, Oct. 15, including getting vaccinated, wearing a mask indoors if you’re not vaccinated and avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
Rutgers team tries to understand ‘brain fog’ COVID connection
Dr. William Hu, the Chief of the Division of Cognitive Neurology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, is leading a team trying to figure out what brain fog is and how it’s connected to COVID-19.
FDA endorsement essentially calls for Johnson & Johnson to be 2-shot vaccine
An FDA panel unanimously recommended a Johnson and Johnson booster vaccine on Friday, Oct. 15. The terms of the endorsement essentially call for the J&J COVID-19 vaccine to be a two-dose shot, rather than the one-dose shot for which it’s been known since it first got emergency use authorization last spring.
The panel called for a second shot to be available to people 18 and older, at least two months after the first shot.
FDA panel recommends Moderna booster shot, but the process isn’t over
A panel of medical experts affiliated with the Food and Drug Administration endorsed a COVID vaccine booster from Moderna on Thursday, Oct. 14. The panel recommended a half dose as a booster.
Need to be vaccinated by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas? Here are the deadlines
People who want to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas are running out of time. Two of the three vaccines available in the U.S. require two doses spread weeks apart and a waiting period once the shots have been administered.
Vice President Kamala Harris visits NJ day care, vaccination site
Vice President Kamala Harris made a stop in New Jersey on Friday, Oct. 8, to discuss the state’s latest vaccination efforts. She visited a day care center to highlight child care provisions in the president’s spending proposal as well as a vaccination site at Essex Community College.
Children will feel impact of pandemic on mental health for years: UNICEF report
UNICEF released a critical report on Friday, Oct. 8, which found that children and young people could feel the impact of the pandemic on their mental health for many years to come.
COVID vaccine for kids: Doctor answers your questions
The Pfizer vaccine for kids could be on the market in about a month after the drug maker filed for FDA authorization Thursday, Oct. 7, for their shot for kids ages 5 to 11.
However, many parents still have questions about the children’s COVID vaccine. Dr. Sallie Permar, the head of pediatrics at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, joined the PIX11 Morning News on Friday, Oct. 8, to share more information and answer some of the biggest questions.
Pfizer’s request to OK shots for kids a relief for parents
Parents tired of worrying about classroom outbreaks and sick of telling their elementary school-age children no to sleepovers and family gatherings felt a wave of relief Thursday, Oct. 7, when Pfizer asked the U.S. government to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for youngsters ages 5 to 11.
U.S. hits 700,000 COVID deaths just as cases begin to fall
The United States reached its latest heartbreaking pandemic milestone Friday, Oct. 1, eclipsing 700,000 deaths from COVID-19 just as the surge from the delta variant is starting to slow down and give overwhelmed hospitals some relief.
NJ leaders take on ‘Mayors Vaccine Challenge’
Two New Jersey mayors are going head-to-head in an effort to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19. It’s all part of the ongoing vaccination campaign in the Garden State that has already propelled it as one of the nation’s leaders in the fight against COVID-19. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh is squaring off with Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora in what the state is calling the “Mayors Vaccine Challenge.”
New Jersey surpasses 1 million COVID-19 cases
As of Tuesday, Sept. 28, more than 1 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in New Jersey since the pandemic reached the state in 2020.
Pfizer submits vaccine data on kids to FDA
Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE announced they have submitted initial data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from the Phase 2/3 trial of their COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11.
In the trial, which included 2,268 participants 5 to 11 years of age, the vaccine demonstrated a favorable safety profile and elicited robust neutralizing antibody responses using a two-dose regimen of 10 μg doses.
NJ offers $500 ‘return to work bonus’ to unemployed residents
Unemployed New Jersey residents could earn a $500 bonus to return to the workforce as part of a new program announced by Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday, Sept. 27. The “Return and Earn” initiative will offer the one-time bonus to folks who secure a job through the program, including positions that require on-the-job training.
Is it safe to trick-or-treat this Halloween? CDC weighs in
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on Face the Nation that kids can trick-or-treat safely this year, adding, “If you’re able to be outdoors, absolutely.”
CDC director overrules panel, backs booster for all adults in high-risk jobs
The panel had voted against saying that people ages 18 to 64 can get a booster if they are health-care workers or have another job that puts them at increased risk of being exposed to the virus.
FDA OKs Pfizer COVID-19 boosters for 65 and older, high-risk Americans
The FDA authorized booster doses for Americans who are 65 and older, younger people with underlying health conditions and those in jobs that put them at high-risk for COVID-19. The ruling represents a drastically scaled back version of the Biden administration’s sweeping plan to give third doses to nearly all American adults to shore up their protection amid the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.
J&J booster shot 94% effective 2 months after 1st dose
Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday, Sept. 21, said new data shows a second dose — or a booster shot — of their one-shot COVID vaccine was found to be 94% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 when given two months after the initial dose.
Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine works in kids ages 5 to 11
Pfizer said Monday, Sept. 20, its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11 and that it will seek U.S. authorization for this age group soon — a key step toward beginning vaccinations for youngsters.
Vaccine mandate for child care facilities
Gov. Phil Murphy said all child care workers and facility employees need to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1 or face regular weekly testing. As of Sept. 24, all employees, students and children in a facility’s care ages two and up will need to wear masks indoors, with limited exceptions.
Moderna vaccine is most effective against hospitalization from COVID-19: study
A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compared how effective each of the three COVID-19 vaccines are in preventing hospitalization from the virus. The CDC reported that effectiveness was higher for the Moderna vaccine (93%) than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (88%) and the J&J vaccine (71%).
New Jersey surpassed as state with highest rate of COVID deaths
Mississippi has surpassed New Jersey as the state with the highest rate of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S., with roughly 1 of every 320 Mississippians having succumbed to the coronavirus.
COVID-19 is ‘getting better’ at becoming airborne virus
Recent COVID-19 variants are much more adept at airborne transmission than the original version of the coronavirus, according to a new study. University of Maryland researchers analyzed the Alpha variant first identified in the United Kingdom and discovered that carriers breathe out 43 to 100 times more infectious viral aerosols than those infected with the original strain.
U.S. panel backs Pfizer COVID-19 boosters only for 65 and over, high-risk
An influential federal advisory panel overwhelmingly rejected a plan to give Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to most Americans, but it endorsed the extra shots for those who are 65 or older or run a high risk of severe disease.
COVID outbreaks in NJ schools
As of Wednesday, Sept. 15, there were six outbreaks in New Jersey schools, according to Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli. An outbreak is defined as at least three cases that are epidemiologically connected and not from the same household.
The cases are a mix of students and staff, Persichilli said. More information will be released on the state Health Department website in the coming days.
COVID-19 variants significantly reduce protection of vaccines, prior infection: study
A new study confirms that vaccinations and even prior COVID-19 infection provide significantly less protection against newer variants. Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University say in order to protect against the Alpha, Beta, and now Delta variants, these findings stress the importance of doubling down on both vaccinations and public health measures during the pandemic.
Mask debate moves from school boards to courtrooms
The rancorous debate over whether returning students should wear masks in the classroom has moved from school boards to courtrooms. In at least 14 states, lawsuits have been filed either for or against masks in schools. In some cases, normally rule-enforcing school administrators are finding themselves fighting state leaders in the name of keeping kids safe.
Supreme Court allows evictions to resume during pandemic
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority is allowing evictions to resume across the United States, blocking the Biden administration from enforcing a temporary ban that was put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. New Jersey’s statewide rent moratorium expires at the end of the year.
These foods are extra hard to find right now because of shortages, supply chain issues
Notice your grocery store shelves looking a little bare lately? You’re definitely not the only one. Supply chain issues have created shortages of highly specific ingredients.
‘It’s up to us’: Fauci says pandemic could possibly end by spring 2022
The nation’s top infectious disease expert believes the pandemic’s end is near as long as the U.S. follows the right protocols to contain COVID-19. Dr. Anthony Fauci said he sees the light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s only open if the country’s 80 million to 90 million unvaccinated people are convinced to get the shot.
Comirnaty: What’s the story behind the new Pfizer vaccine name?
Comirnaty, who? It’s the same exact mRNA vaccine Pfizer has been producing through the emergency use authorization, but now it’s being marketed under a new name.
Is an earache a new COVID-19 symptom?
Doctors say they’re seeing a new COVID-19 symptom in some patients. According to experts, an earache has been reported more frequently by those testing positive for COVID. Earaches can cause pain, a feeling of blockage and sometimes muffled hearing.
NJ COVID hospitalizations top 1,000 for the first time since May: Gov. Murphy
For the first time since May, more than 1,000 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in New Jersey on Wednesday, Aug. 25, Gov. Phil Murphy said. There were 1,012 people hospitalized with COVID, 92 of whom were on ventilators, according to state Health Department data. The last time the state had more than 1,000 COVID hospitalizations was over three months ago on May 11, Murphy said.
Johnson & Johnson: Vaccine booster provides ‘rapid, robust’ response
Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday, Aug. 25, announced new data the company said supports the use of its COVID vaccine as a booster shot for people previously vaccinated with their single-shot vaccine.
J&J said the new data showed that a booster shot of their vaccine generated a “rapid and robust increase in spike-binding antibodies, nine-fold higher than 28 days after the primary single-dose vaccination.”
NJ to require teachers, state workers be fully vaccinated
All school personnel and state workers in New Jersey will be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday, Aug. 23.
Will COVID booster shot have the same side effects as the first two shots?
The Biden administration said Wednesday, Aug. 18, that COVID booster shots will soon be available, but how will the Sept. 20 rollout work, and what side effects should Americans expect?
Lambda and B.1.621: New COVID variants could be the worst yet, doctor warns
At least two new COVID-19 variants have hit the United States and they could be worse than the delta variant in their infectiousness and ability to stand up to vaccines, according to a top medical authority.
U.S. health officials call for booster shots for all to battle COVID-19
U.S. health officials recommended all Americans get COVID-19 booster shots to shore up their protection amid the surging delta variant and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness is falling. The announcement was made on Aug. 18.
August child tax credit payments issued: Here’s why yours might be delayed
The second installment of expanded child tax credits was issued on Aug. 13 to millions of eligible families, but some payments will likely be delayed due to a technical glitch, the U.S. Department of Treasury said.
Schumer calls for federal crackdown on fake vaccine cards
COVID claims more young victims as deaths climb yet again
The COVID-19 death toll has started soaring again as the delta variant tears through the nation’s unvaccinated population and fills up hospitals with patients, many of whom are younger than during earlier phases of the pandemic.
NJ county opens COVID booster shot appointments
Health care officials in a northern New Jersey county began offering COVID-19 booster shots to qualified residents on Aug. 14. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. said appointments for a third shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine were open at vaccination centers at Kmart in West Orange and Essex County College in Newark.
Concerts, outdoor events still risky as delta variant surges, experts say
Concerts and outdoor events are returning, and many are requiring proof of vaccination as part of new safety protocols designed to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. But while experts say being outdoors is less risky in general, they continue to recommend additional precautions for those visiting crowded outdoor venues.
Biden weighs stiffer vaccine rules as delta variant spreads rapidly across U.S.
When the pace of vaccinations in the U.S. first began to slow, President Joe Biden backed incentives like million-dollar cash lotteries if that’s what it took to get shots in arms. But as new COVID infections soar, he’s testing a tougher approach.
Who doesn’t need the COVID-19 vaccine?
It has been eight months since the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered to health care workers nationwide. Since then, the vaccine has become available to anyone over the age of 12. Experts explain the few instances in which a person would not qualify for, or should delay getting vaccinated.
Extra COVID shot OK’d for immunocompromised individuals
With more than 600 colleges and universities now requiring proof of COVID-19 inoculations, an online industry has sprung up offering fake vaccine cards.
What to do if you lose your COVID-19 vaccine card
Don’t worry if you’ve lost your COVID-19 vaccine card, there are several ways you can get it replaced. No matter where you got your shots, getting a replacement card is possible.
Will NJ reinstate a travel advisory?
Gov. Murphy said on Aug. 9, a new travel advisory is not off the table, but for now he encouraged mask wearing, which is mandatory in all airports and on flights, and other COVID safety protocols. “You gotta use your head,” he added.
Will NJ mandate masks indoors?
Despite CDC data showing New Jersey falls under its guidance to wear masks indoors, Gov. Murphy said he will not yet mandate face coverings but added, “we leave all options on the table.”
COVID transmission levels call for indoor masking under CDC guidelines
Indoor masking is advised in areas with COVID transmission rates considered “substantial” or “high” under recently updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Aug. 8, all of New Jersey falls under those categories.
How do you know if you have the delta variant of COVID-19?
So you’ve tested positive for COVID – but which COVID exactly? Is there a way to tell if you have the highly transmissible delta variant? There is a way to tell, but there’s not really a way for you to tell.
COVID breakthrough cases: Is one vaccine better than others?
Are kids more vulnerable to the delta variant of COVID-19?
Hospitals around the United States, especially in the South, are starting to fill back up again as the delta variant tears though the country. With previous waves of infection, we’ve been most worried about the elderly being vulnerable. Now, it’s younger people – even children – starting to show up in hospital beds.
U.S. averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day as delta surges
The United States is now averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day, returning to a milestone last seen during the winter surge in yet another bleak reminder of how quickly the delta variant has spread through the country. The U.S. was averaging about 11,000 cases a day in late June. Now the number is 107,143.
NJ schools mask mandate: Teachers’ union backs, Republicans slam Murphy decision
New Jersey Republicans have largely trashed Gov. Phil Murphy’s announcement on Aug 6 that masks will be required in all schools in the upcoming academic year.
NJ health care workers must be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19
Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order on Aug. 6 mandating that all workers in state and private health care facilities either be vaccinated for COVID-19 or tested for it twice a week.
50% of U.S. population is fully vaccinated, White House says
The United States reached a vaccination milestone on Aug. 6: 50% of the population, all ages, were fully vaccinated, the White House COVID-19 data director confirmed.
CDC says people who’ve had COVID should get shot or risk reinfection
Even people who have recovered from COVID-19 are urged to get vaccinated, especially as the extra-contagious delta variant surges — and a new study shows survivors who ignored that advice were more than twice as likely to get reinfected.
‘You have lost your minds’: Murphy lashes out at anti-vax protesters
Warning of more delta mutations, Fauci urges vaccinations
The White House COVID-19 response team said the delta variant continues to surge across the country. During a briefing on Aug. 5, Dr. Anthony Fauci called on Americans to take precautions to stop the virus from mutating. “The ultimate end game of all this is vaccination,” he said.
The latest surge in COVID-19 infections is fueled by the highly contagious delta variant first identified in India late last year. Now, a variation of that variant is beginning to generate headlines. Here’s what we know about the COVID sub-strain being called delta plus.
Vaccine mandate for state colleges?
Currently, some state colleges in New Jersey are mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for students and staff and some have made it optional. Murphy said a universal mandate “is certainly an option,” but for now individual universities can make their own call.
More ‘pain and suffering’ ahead as COVID cases rise, Fauci says
Dr. Anthony Fauci warned on Aug. 1 that more “pain and suffering” is on the horizon as COVID-19 cases climb again and officials plead with unvaccinated Americans to get their shots.
Walmart requiring COVID vaccination, masks for many employees
In a memo, Walmart announced that associates who work in multiple facilities, and associates of its campus office, will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4. Walmart also required associates, including those fully vaccinated, to wear masks in its stores.
Iconic NJ restaurant The Fireplace closes after 65 years
The Fireplace, like many other restaurants across the country, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and temporarily shuttered its doors before reopening in May, when they implemented drive-thru, takeout and curbside pickup followed by indoor dining in October.
New delta variant research makes strong case for vaccination
A report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized the delta variant is more dangerous and fast-spreading than first thought. The findings also made clear why efforts to get more people vaccinated are vital.
CDC data shows delta variant spreads as easily as chickenpox
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new information on July 30, saying the coronavirus delta variant can spread as easily as chickenpox.
Pfizer: COVID vaccine protective for at least 6 months
The effectiveness of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine wanes slightly over time but it remains strongly protective for at least six months after the second dose, according to company data released on July 28.
Disney World requires masks indoors regardless of vaccination status
Beginning July 30, Disney World required all visitors ages 2 and older to wear a face covering while indoors as well as in Disney buses, the monorail and the Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status.
CDC mask guidance: Vaccinated people should wear face coverings in public indoor settings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed course on some masking guidelines, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging.
U.S. headed in ‘wrong direction’ on COVID-19, Fauci says
Doctors warn about slightly different symptoms with delta variant of COVID
As concern grows regarding the COVID-19 delta variant, health leaders are warning about somewhat different symptoms that come with it.
Most unvaccinated Americans unlikely to get COVID-19 shots, new AP poll finds
A new poll shows that most Americans who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 say they are unlikely to get the shots. About 16% say they probably will get the vaccine.
Is asking about someone’s COVID vaccine status a HIPAA violation?
HIPAA was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996 during a time when medical records were being computerized. It was created to simplify the administration of health insurance and to prevent unauthorized access to peoples’ medical histories.
In fact, HIPAA doesn’t block anyone from asking another person about their health status, according to Alan Meisel, law professor and bioethics expert at the University of Pittsburgh.
Gov. Murphy holds off on reinstating mask mandate
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says he’s not ready to reinstitute mask requirements, now or when schools are back in session in September. Murphy says he “is comfortable where we are” on mask mandates but is also closely monitoring developments.
Child tax credit checks: Will they become permanent?
The parents of an estimated 60 million American children began receiving child tax credit payments from the IRS in a move expected to lift millions of families above the poverty baseline for the remainder of 2021. Should they become permanent?
Biden grapples with ‘pandemic of the unvaccinated’
President Joe Biden is confronting the worrying reality of rising cases and deaths — and the limitations of his ability to combat the persistent vaccine hesitance responsible for the summer backslide.
Child tax credit: When to expect payments, how it may impact tax returns
Common cholesterol drugs may significantly reduce risk of death from COVID-19: study
Statins, a common medication for lowering cholesterol, may be saving lives among patients with COVID-19. A new study reveals hospitalized coronavirus patients who take statins are much less likely to die from the illness.
WHO chief says it was ‘premature’ to rule out COVID lab leak
The head of the World Health Organization acknowledged it was premature to rule out a potential link between the COVID-19 pandemic and a laboratory leak, and he said he is asking China to be more transparent as scientists search for the origins of the coronavirus.
Wildfire smoke linked to increased COVID-19 risk, study says
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.
What can I do if I didn’t get my child tax credit payment?
The official disbursement date for the first child tax credit payments from the Internal Revenue Service was July 15, but parents may not see the cash right away.
Delta now dominant COVID variant in New Jersey
The highly transmissible delta variant is now the dominant strain in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said on July 12. The governor urged New Jersey residents to get vaccinated against COVID if they haven’t already done so.
Global COVID-19 deaths hit 4 million amid rush to vaccinate
There’s more to the worker shortage than pandemic unemployment, experts say
The workforce shortage is a combination of several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a shift in the economy, and changes in the workforce demographics, experts say.
Free health insurance included in stimulus benefits for unemployment recipients
Along with $1,400 stimulus checks and monthly child tax credit payments, the American Rescue Plan has another important benefit available to people who qualified for unemployment assistance this year: free health care.
Will one dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine protect me?
Yes, but not nearly as much as if you had both doses. Experts recommend getting fully vaccinated, especially with the emergence of worrisome coronavirus mutations such as the delta variant first identified in India.
Workers enjoy the upper hand as companies scramble to hire
With the economy growing rapidly as it reopens from the pandemic, many employers are increasingly desperate to hire. Yet evidence suggests that as a group, the unemployed aren’t feeling the same urgency to take jobs.
As of Tuesday, there have been 1,051,277 total positive PCR tests in the state since March 2020, and there have been 25,301 lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths, according to the state Health Department.
A Wallington woman killed her 8-month-old baby with the help of a man from Paterson, officials said Wednesday.
Twenty-year-old Ashley Roman and 22-year-old Joshua Delgado were arrested on Nov. 9 and charged with first-degree murder, among other offenses.
According to police, officers responded on Oct. 25 to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson on a report of the death of an infant. The 8-month-old was brought to the hospital earlier that day by Roman, who’s the child’s mother, and Delgado, who was not related to the baby.
Detectives opened an investigation and interviewed multiple witnesses. On Oct. 27, the infant’s death was ruled a homicide.
Along with murder, Roman is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Delgado is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, as well as heroin possession charges.
Delgado is currently in custody at the Bergen County Jail, and Roman is in custody at Passaic County Jail. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office has filed motions for pretrial detention of the defendants.
25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?
Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they’ve been left standing.)
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The South Orange-Maplewood School District announced Tuesday that kids age 5-11 can now get COVID-19 vaccines at several Essex County sites, and that local testing will be available at upcoming MediMobile Testing stops in Maplewood.
Last Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control recommended that children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer pediatric vaccine (read the CDC explanation here).
Children generally get two doses that are approximately three weeks apart. (Check with your doctor if your children have health concerns.)
The school district directed parents to make an appointment or get more information at the Essex County web page:
Recent photos show some of the sites decked out to welcome kids:
Coronavirus vaccine shots for children ages 5 to 11 have begun at Essex County’s centers in Newark, Livingston and West Orange.
The school district, in partnership with MediMobile (http://bit.ly/C19Test_Vaccine), will continue walk-in COVID Rapid and PCR Testing on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia High School, the district noted.
“As the weather gets colder, please go to the CHS Cafeteria, enter from Parker Avenue parking lot,” the district said.
In addition to Saturdays, MediMobile will test on Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. starting Nov. 10 at the Board of Education building, 525 Academy Street. Walk-in, Rapid and PCR tests are available.
Why Vaccinate Children?
Nationally, more than 750,000 Americans have now died from COVID-19, the majority over 18. Those who advocate vaccinating children point out that they may spread the disease to those who are more vulnerable, including their own caregivers.
More than 140,000 children in America have lost a parent to COVID-19, the CDC estimates.
“Although children are at a lower risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 compared with adults,” the CDC notes,
Children can:
Be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19
Get very sick from COVID-19
Have both short and long-term health complications from COVID-19
Spread COVID-19 to others
Read more about the clinical trials and vaccine information for children here.
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Today, Cecilia Zalkind, president and CEO of Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ), released the following statement on Governor Phil Murphy’s conditional veto of A4746/S3947, legislation to make permanent the policy of paying child care subsidy based on child enrollment, rather than attendance.
“Despite strong support from child care providers, parents and lawmakers, Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed A4746/S3947, which would require the state to make child care subsidy payments based on child enrollment, rather than attendance. Advocates for Children of New Jersey is very disappointed with the decision. For child care providers, enrollment-based payment provides a critical source of reliable funding to help stabilize programs accepting children of eligible low-income families. During COVID, this temporary measure proved to be the most important policy action to sustain and stabilize New Jersey’s child care system. The public health crisis has only magnified the inherent instability of the attendance payment structure and making this policy permanent would have resolved this longstanding problem.
“We recognize that New Jersey has made significant investments in our state’s child care system, but the increased costs of doing business, such as cleaning and staffing costs to ensure the safety of children and employees, and a growing staffing crisis, caused by programs’ inability to pay competitive wages, keeps this vulnerable industry in jeopardy.
“The veto message does recommend extending this payment policy for an additional six months, which continues this temporary support to child care providers, but a long-term payment solution is needed. The conditional veto requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to conduct a one-year study to compare the costs of payments based on attendance versus enrollment and make recommendations for a more stable approach. ACNJ urges DHS to complete the study as soon as possible and include potential alternatives to ensure the long-term stability of the child care system.
“Child care is essential, not only for working families, but to the recovery and growth of New Jersey’s economy. This bill took an important step forward in providing stability to this critical system, treating child care as the public good it is.
“ACNJ commends the sponsors of this legislation, Senator Vitale, Assemblywoman Mosquera and Assemblywoman Lopez, for their leadership in supporting child care and the children and families it cares for and educates.”
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Advocates for Children of New Jersey is a statewide, non-profit child research and action organization, committed to giving every child the chance to grow up safe, healthy and educated.
Whether she’s making dinner with her mom, shooting hoops with her big brother or playing with a new friend, Madison Behrmann is a smart, sassy little 3-year-old who’s bound to be a success when she’s older.
But she’s still years away from being eligible for, say, jury duty, despite a letter she got from U.S. District Court.
“Asking her to fill out a questionnaire for federal jury duty in Newark,” mom Laura Behrmann said.
The letter says Madison’s name had been drawn by random selection from the voter’s registration. Obviously, Behrmann never registered her toddler to vote.
“It’s a total mess, and we still have no idea, nor can anybody tell me, how they got her name,” she said. “Did somebody steal her identity? Did somebody vote in her name? Is there somebody impersonating her out there, credit cards, taking out a loan in her name?”
So how does this happen? Experts say it’s basic sharing of information, like address or social security number, and having that information get into the wrong hands. Children are targeted the same way as adults.
“It may happen for years under your nose and massive damage being done by the time that you found out,” said cyber security expert Ian Marlow. “One of the very first steps that they should do is contact a credit agency as the parent of a minor … and do something called locking their credit.”
Marlow says locking credit can prevent the opening of any new account. He says you should run regular free credit reports on yourself and your child and protect your child’s social security number and birthdate information as you would your own.
The Behrmanns filed a police report and are waiting for credit reports on both of their kids. Now, they just need to get Madison off that jury duty list.
“She might be really good at it, I don’t know, but she will need an adult to take her to the bathroom, so you know,” Behrmann said, laughing.
Finding the lighter side while getting to the bottom of a serious situation.
A state senator checked into the situation and told the family the child is actually not registered to vote, so the mystery as to how the courts got her name and information continues.
“We heard a really loud bang,” actor William DeMeo told CBS2’s Ali Bauman.
Right around the corner was the cast and crew of a TV show bearing the neighborhood’s name.
DeMeo stars in the drama series “Gravesend.”
“So we ran and this kid, we see his leg outside the car, and he was screaming,” he said.
A 14-year-old boy who had been out walking his dog was pinned underneath the vehicle.
“It was just like we’re finishing, wee’re shooting and all of a sudden it’s like craziness, it was like a scene in a movie,” DeMeo said.
DeMeo tried calming the boy, who was bloody and trapped.
“I was like, you’re fine, buddy, you’re gonna be OK,” he said.
“The mother came over and said, ‘That’s my son.’ She actually tried to lift the car. She tried to lift the car herself,” production assistant Evan Sumner said.
More crew members joined and together, they were able to lift the car off the child.
“Just human instinct. We just chipped in and decided to help,” Sumner said.
“I’m very glad we were there because … it was a side street, so there wasn’t that many people on the corner. He might’ve been under that car for a lot longer,” DeMeo said.
Paramedics quickly responded.
The 80-year-old driver told police her brakes failed and she lost control.
“They just didn’t even know where they were, kind of like. They were just, like, in shock,” DeMeo said.
The victim is being treated for his injuries at a nearby hospital. His parents did not want to speak on camera but told CBS2 they are with him and focused on helping their son heal.
Authorities say he is expected to recover.
“I can’t wait to see him and give him a hug and bring him on set when we start shooting again,” DeMeo said.
Frederick F. Bucci, 97, of Southern Pines/Pinehurst, passed peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at his home.
Fred was born and raised in Essex County, N.J. Upon graduation from high school, he enrolled in Newark College of Engineering, which he attended for a few semesters, but with World War II in progress, it became necessary to postpone his college education and he entered the U.S. Army. He was assigned to a base in College Station, Texas, where he attended Texas A&M College of Engineering for three semesters, until his transfer overseas, where he took part in the invasion of Okinawa.
Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to New Jersey and decided to pursue a law degree. He enrolled at Rutgers University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law degrees in the same year. He was awarded his Juris Doctorate degree a short time later.
Although Fred was offered a position in his family’s law firm, he accepted an offer with the Central Intelligence Agency. Following extensive travel stateside as well as abroad, he was assigned to headquarters. He later was advised that he was being promoted to the position of chief, Alien Affairs Staff, for the agency. To further his knowledge of immigration law, he enrolled in evening classes at Georgetown University Law School.
Because of his innate ability to come up with solutions to complex cases, he became well known and respected throughout the intelligence community. During his working career, he was awarded a number of awards and commendations from agencies outside the CIA, including a letter of special recognition for his participation with the Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees, signed by President George Bush; letters of appreciation from Judge Webster, then director of the FBI; as well as letters of appreciation from the Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Army and Air Force Intelligence Units, and the Immigration Service. He also received the CIA Intelligence Medal of Merit. His special achievement, however, was being one of the first recipients of the prestigious Donovan Award.
It was at the CIA, when he was initially transferred to headquarters in the late 1950s, that he met his wife, Helene, also a CIA employee. After a two-year courtship, they married and enjoyed 62 wonderful years together.
Even though he was advised that he would be promoted to a higher position, Fred decided to follow through with his plans to take an early retirement in 1981, and he and Helene moved to Pinehurst. Approximately six months later, he was hired by a Raleigh law firm, where he practiced immigration law in a newly established office in Fayetteville. He was named vice chairman, and later chairman, of the Carolina Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. After a period of time, however, he returned to his employment with the U.S. government until his final retirement, after 57 years of government service.
Fred was active in community and church affairs. He was chairman of the Legal Committee for the building of the new Sacred Heart Catholic Church, as well as for the building of the church hall and school several years later. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, having served as advocate for the third degree, and comptroller for the fourth degree.
In his spare time, Fred enjoyed playing golf, and also playing cards with his monthly card group. He was the principal organizer and first president of the Donald Ross Area Association. He enjoyed traveling, and especially taking cruises. Fred loved life — he had a wonderful sense of humor, a beautiful smile, and it was a pleasure being in his company.
Fred is survived by his devoted wife, Helene; his niece Elaine and her husband, John, of Millsboro, Del.; a nephew, Kenneth, of Hamilton, N.J.; his brother-in-law, Richard Gromek, of Greensburg, Pa.; his sister-in-law, Norma Gromek, of Latrobe, Pa.; a number of nieces and nephews; and his incredible surrogate daughters, Nicolette Kaptur and Rebecca Hooper, of Pinehurst, who filled Fred’s and Helene’s life with much love and joy ever since their arrival in Pinehurst a number of years ago — they were always immediately available to lend assistance when needed. Mention also must be made of the generous and thoughtful neighbors and friends for their wonderful and much appreciated generosity during his period of illness.
He was preceded in death by both his parents, Eugene and Mary Bucci; his sister Violet; and a number of cousins.
A private Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Pinehurst, with the Very Rev. John J. Forbes officiating, and interment will take place at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Southern Pines.
Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 300 Dundee Road., Pinehurst, NC 28374; St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude’s Street., Boulder City, NV 89005; or Rutgers University Law School, Newark Campus, 123 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102. Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines
The reward for information that could help lead police to missing New Jersey 14-year-old Jashyah Moore’s location has reached $15,000, thanks to an anonymous donor.
Moore was last seen on Oct. 14 around 10 a.m. EST, when she walked to Poppie’s Deli Store at 520 Central Avenue in East Orange, New Jersey.
“An anonymous local business owner has donated $5,000 to the reward in the search for Jashyah Moore,” the East Orange Police Department said in a Nov. 6 Facebook post.
Jashyah’s mother, Jamie Moore, went to Poppie’s Deli Store twice on Oct. 14 — once around 7:30 a.m. and again around 10 a.m. Jamie Moore sent her daughter back to the store after Jashyah said she lost the credit card she had brought to the deli. Her mother told her to retrace her steps, which is the last time Jamie saw her daughter, East Orange Police Chief Phyllis Bindi said during a Nov. 5 press conference.
Security footage from Poppie’s Deli Store on Oct. 14 appears to show the teenager entering the store with an adult male “who paid for her items,” but does not appear to show her leaving the store with the same male, Bindi explained at the time.
Jamie Moore appeared teary-eyed at the press conference when she walked reporters through the events on Oct. 14.
“I gave her my card. She went to the store. When Jashayah came back, she said, ‘Mommy, I lost the card,’ so I said, ‘Well, baby, backtrack your steps because you lost it before and found it, so it’s probably right outside, or when it went it your pocket, it probably fell out.’ So she did. She backtracked her steps. That was the last time I saw her.”
Her mother added that the 14-year-old is a “smart girl” and a “homebody” who would not “go off with anyone.”
“I cannot imagine what she might be going through … being away from us this long,” a distraught Jamie said during the conference.
Jamie told WPIX that her daughter was called to testify against her estranged husband, who was arrested in 2020 for simple assault, regarding a domestic violence incident, though prosecutors told the news website that they don’t believe the incident is related to Jashyah’s disappearance.
Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura’s Crime Stoppers Program offered an initial $10,000 reward for information leading to Jashyah’s location on Nov. 5.
Authorities on Saturday searched Monte Irvin Orange Park, which is located near the deli Moore walked to before she went missing, Chief Phyllis Bindi told New Jersey news website NJ.com.
Moore is 5 ft. 5 in. and weighs about 135 pounds. She was last seen wearing khaki pants, a black jacket and black boots, according to police.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the teenager’s location to contact the East Orange Police Department at 973-266-5041, 973-266-5030 or 973-266-5060.
Frederick F. Bucci, 97, of Southern Pines/Pinehurst, passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at his home. Fred was born and raised in Essex Co., NJ. Upon graduation for high school, he enrolled in Newark College of Engineering, which he attended for a few semesters, but with WWII in progress, it became necessary to postpone his college education and he entered the U.S. Army. He was assigned to a base in College Station, TX., where he attended Texas A&M College of Engineering for three semesters, until his transfer overseas where he took part in the invasion of Okinawa.
Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to New Jersey and decided to pursue a law degree. He enrolled at Rutgers University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law degrees in the same year. He was awarded his Juris Doctorate degree a short time later.
Although Fred was offered a position in his family’s law firm, he accepted an offer with the Central Intelligence Agency. Following extensive travel stateside as well as abroad, he was assigned to Headquarters. He later was advised that he was being promoted to the position of Chief, Alien Affairs Staff, for the Agency. To further his knowledge of immigration law, he enrolled in evening classes at Georgetown University Law School.
Because of his innate ability to come up with solutions to complex cases, he became well known and respected throughout the Intelligence community. During his working career, he was awarded a number of awards and commendations from agencies outside the C.I.A., including a letter of special recognition for his participation with the Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees, signed by President George Bush, Letters of Appreciation from Judge Webster, then Director of the FBI, as well as letters of appreciation from the Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Army and Air Force Intelligence Units, and the Immigration Service. He also received the C.I.A. Intelligence Medal of Merit. His special achievement, however, was being one of the first recipients of the prestigious DONOVAN AWARD.
It was at the C.I.A., when he was initially transferred to Headquarters in the late 1950’s that he met his wife, Helene, also a C.I.A. employee. After a two-year courtship, they married and enjoyed 62 wonderful years together.
Even though he was advised that he would be promoted to a higher position, Fred decided to follow through with his plans to take an early retirement in 1981 and he and Helene moved to Pinehurst, NC. Approximately six months later, he was hired by a Raleigh law firm, where he practiced immigration law in a newly established office in Fayetteville, NC. He was named Vice Chairman, and later Chairman, of the Carolina Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. After a period of time, however, he returned to his employment with the U.S. Government until his final retirement, after 57 years of Government service.
Fred was active in community and church affairs. He was chairman of the Legal Committee for the building of the new Sacred Heart Catholic Church, as well as for the building of the Church Hall and School several years later. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, having served as Advocate for the Third Degree, and Comptroller for the Fourth Degree. In his spare time, Fred enjoyed playing golf, and also playing cards with his monthly card group. He was the principal organizer and first president of the Donald Ross Area Association. He enjoyed traveling, and especially taking cruises. Fred loved life – he had a wonderful sense of humor, a beautiful smile, and it was a pleasure being in his company.
Fred is survived by his devoted wife Helene; his niece Elaine and her husband John of Millsboro, DE; a nephew Kenneth of Hamilton, NJ; his brother-in-law Richard Gromek of Greensburg, PA; his sister-in-law Norma Gromek of Latrobe, PA; a number of nieces and nephews; and his incredible surrogate daughters, Nicolette Kaptur and Rebecca Hooper of Pinehurst, NC, who filled Fred’s and Helene’s life with much love and joy ever since their arrival in Pinehurst a number of years ago—they were always immediately available to lend assistance when needed. Mention also must be made of the generous and thoughtful neighbors and friends for their wonderful and much appreciated generosity during his period of illness.
He was preceded in death by both his parents, Eugene and Mary Bucci, his sister Violet, and a number of cousins.
A private Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 300 Dundee Rd., Pinehurst, with the Very Rev. John J. Forbes officiating, and interment will take place at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Southern Pines, NC.
Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 300 Dundee Road., Pinehurst, NC 28374; St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude’s Street., Boulder City, NV 89005; of Rutgers University Law School, Newark Campus, 123 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102.
