A New Jersey fencing coach was arrested for sexually assaulting two teenagers then gave false statement in his detention hearing, authorities said.
A 16-year-old girl reported being sexually assaulting by Stephen Kovacs, 49, of Watchung, in Bridgewater in August and September 2021, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said.
Then, a 19-year-old woman said she was also sexually assault by Kovacs — formerly of Clifton — when she was 18, Robertson said.
The victim earlier this month disclosed incidents of sexual assault that occurred in Bridgewater from January 2020 to December 2020, authorities said.
As a result of this investigation, Kovacs was arrested on Oct. 13, 2021 at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office by detectives from the Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit without incident.
He was charged with two counts of 2nd degree, Sexual Assault and two counts of 3rd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Defendant Kovacs was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing.
On Tuesday, Oct. 19, Kovacs was released from the Somerset County Jail as a result of his detention hearing.
A subsequent follow-up investigation determined that Kovacs gave false statements under oath during his detention hearing, according to Robertson.
Just three days after being released, Kovacs was arrested at his home without incident by members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and charged with 4th degree False Swearing. Kovacs was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor and Police Chief Payne request anyone with information relating to the sexual assault to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes Unit (908) 231-7100 or the Bridgewater Township Police Department at (908) 722-4111 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos.
STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
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A disaster day for Gov. Phil Murphy and as a result for the entire state. That was the day he completely botched his handling of the first big snowstorm of that season.
He was green. People’s lawns weren’t. Covered in white snow New Jersey stood by and waited for a response.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much of one. Orders were slow to be given. Kids ended up separated from parents spending hours deep into the evening trapped at their schools. Or on buses. Drivers across the state were stranded on highways that turned into unplowed parking lots.
And it wasn’t an unreasonable amount of snow to deal with. There was nothing ending with “of the century” about this one. One of the deepest snow totals by the following day was Bethlehem in Hunterdon County at 10 inches, but most of New Jersey got much less than that.
There was no real accounting for or excuse for the disaster. Just poor management.
Yet there was Murphy as usual deflecting blame as best he could. He tried to claim officials had to “turn on a dime” from an inaccurate forecast.
That was a lie. Our Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow had called it with plenty of time to prepare.
“This is also the first storm of the year, mid-November, so you’re going through the reps for the first time that you’ve had to since nine months ago.”
So this was just practice?
“And folks are out there aggressively doing the best they can.”
Yes, THEY were, but they couldn’t start until orders were given, and you failed Phil.
“Again, I don’t blame folks for being, you know, sitting there in a parking lot, being frustrated. But again, patience. Mother Nature has thrown us a real tough one tonight and we’re going to clear the roads out.”
Gee, thanks for not blaming us for having been frustrated Phil. But we’re going to go ahead and blame you.
I still remember the former governor, Chris Christie, calling in on our show (not on any hotline mind you; just the regular call-in line) like any other ordinary furious driver. He gave his own story like so many did that day of all the hours he’d been trapped.
Then we all remember what came next. The classic Murphy overcorrection. The brining. The constant overbrining of the roads. Days that there were barely flurries forecast. Brine. Days that it was too warm for snow to stick. Brine.
Frankly, it was embarrassing.
I thought of that Monday afternoon with his declaring a state of emergency in advance of the nor’easter hitting. Did it make sense? Probably, just in case. Was it political? Oh, you betcha.
The Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli called Murphy out in media and to his face during a live debate about the night Ida hit. Pennsylvania’s governor declared a state of emergency long before the rains hit whereas Murphy waited until something like 10 p.m. that night when people were already stranded and several had already been swept away by floodwaters. Ciattarelli’s point was that while procedural, a state of emergency could have served to get people to take the storm more seriously.
You can bet his decision Monday was equally a cover-his-ass move as it was precautionary. He didn’t want to allow a chance for more Ciattarelli sound bites like those with the election only a week ago.
When it comes to handling weather emergencies it seems Murphy has never had it quite right. He’s never been out in front of it but more chasing from behind.
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski. Any opinions expressed are Jeff Deminski’s own.
Incredible, heartbreaking images of Ida’s damage in New Jersey
In just a few hours the remnants from Ida spawned three tornadoes, dropped between 8 and 10 inches of rain, left over two dozen people dead and plunged thousands into darkness.
Questions to ask to see if someone’s REALLY from New Jersey
Early voting locations in each NJ county
Each county in the state will have between three and 10 early voting locations, open daily for the 2021 general election from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31. The sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for Sundays, when they will close at 6 p.m.
Even as many private businesses are reluctant to impose vaccine mandates on employees, the number of government mandates in New Jersey continues to grow.
Rutgers University announced all campus employees will have to prove vaccination status as of December 8, or face possible termination. University officials say about 10% of their workforce remains unvaccinated. The mandate is to bring the university in compliance with President Joe Biden’s mandate that all federal workers must be vaccinated. Rutgers employees have until November 8 to request a medical or religious exemption.
The commission that oversees the operation of New Jersey’s State House in Trenton is expected to approve its’ own vaccination mandate today for anyone entering the building.
The State Capitol Joint Management Commission is scheduled to vote on the policy this morning. NJ.com reports there is enough support on the commission to approve it.
The vaccine mandate would apply to legislators, staff, aides, guests and all members of the public. The unvaccinated would have to provide proof of a negative COVID test.
The policy under consideration will exclude the large segment of New Jersey society that is unvaccinated from the legislative process in a manner that could be perceived as deliberate. – Letter from NJ republican lawmakers
Could there be new sweeping vaccine mandates coming in New Jersey if Governor Phil Murphy is re-elected? The conservative activist group Project Veritas has published secretly recorded video of senior campaign aides saying when Murphy wins a second term, mandates are coming similar to ones enacted in California. The aides can be seen on video saying the only reason they have not announced the mandates yet, is to avoid angering moderate and independent voters ahead of the November 2 election.
Answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions
Vaccinations for COVID-19 began being administered in the U.S. on Dec. 14, 2020. The quick rollout came a little more than a year after the virus was first identified in November 2019. The impressive speed with which vaccines were developed has also left a lot of people with a lot of questions. The questions range from the practical—how will I get vaccinated?—to the scientific—how do these vaccines even work?
Keep reading to discover answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions.
Early voting locations in each NJ county
Each county in the state will have between three and 10 early voting locations, open daily for the 2021 general election from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31. The sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for Sundays, when they will close at 6 p.m.
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.
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.
Walensky disagreed and put that recommendation back in, noting that such a move aligns with an FDA booster authorization decision earlier this week.
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 Monday, there have been 1,035,315 total positive PCR tests in the state since March 2020, and there have been 25,049 lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths, according to the state Health Department.
A new study finds up to 8% of children in some parts of New Jersey are on the autism spectrum, which is more than triple the national average.
Researchers analyzed data from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, a group of programs funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to estimate the number of children with autism, looking at 5,453 kids in public school districts in Essex, Hudson and Union counties who were 8 years old in 2016.
Walter Zahorodny, an associate professor of pediatrics at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and co-author of the study, said autism prevalence is quite variable in the Garden State, but more frequent than expected.
“We found that 1 in 5 school districts in our surveillance region had autism prevalence of 5% or higher,” Zahorodny said.
The study found autism spectrum prevalence was about 5% in Newark, the largest school district in the state, while Toms River, the state’s largest suburban school district, had a prevalence rate of 7.3%, and the rate was 12% in boys.
Reasons for high autism rates
The national average of children on the autistic spectrum is 2%, so why is it so much higher in New Jersey?
Zahorodny said the state has higher rates of kids on the autistic spectrum not because of any environmental issue or factor, but rather because the state does a better job of identifying the condition, “given the high levels of health professionals that are familiar with autism and school districts that are familiar with educating children with autism.”
Suzanne Buchanan, the executive director of Autism New Jersey, said the reality is the rate of autism in New Jersey has stabilized over time.
“The number of children with autism and intellectual disability has remained fairly stable over time, which means we’re doing a much better job identifying children with autism.”
Buchanan said kids on the autistic spectrum may not have an intellectual disability, but may struggle with “making friends, keeping friends, really being part of that peer group and having a sense of belonging.”
Getting a autism diagnosis
Buchanan said if a family gets an autism diagnosis there are some things to consider, such as doing a thorough assessment of what the child’s abilities, strengths and weaknesses are. Other things that families need to think about is a child’s education and health care needs.
Whatever the assessment reveals, Buchanan said “help is available,” adding that “there’s an amazing level of knowledge and awareness here in New Jersey that I think translates very well to identifying kids.”
Zahorodny said the big unanswered question is “why is this (rate of autism) going up everywhere.”
He noted higher rates of autism are associated with premature birth, low birth rate and older parents and delivery by C-section, “but altogether those factors don’t seem to add up to the magnitude of the increase that we’re seeing.”
WEST ORANGE — A rockslide during Ida that permanently displaced dozens of tenants from an apartment complex has dredged up a tense township battle that began over a decade ago.
A number of West Orange residents fought against plans by Seton Hall Prep for nearly two years — over nearly 30 long-running public meetings — before the West Orange Township Zoning Board approved the $7 million dollar project for turf athletic fields in 2010.
Our Green West Orange, a grassroots preservation group, repeatedly criticized the razing of about 1,000 trees on then-forest land that is uphill from a number of homes, including the Ron Jolyn Apartments.
During public meetings as the project was considered, members of the group voiced concerns that water retention ponds on the fields would worsen local flooding.
Loren Svetvilas, current president of Our Green West Orange, told New Jersey 101.5 that he even handed an inscribed copy of “The Lorax” to Seton Hall Prep Headmaster Michael Kelly in 2016 as a new phase of construction was approved. The Dr. Seuss book is based on an iconic message of environmental stewardship.
The all-boys Catholic high school on Prospect Avenue completed construction of a baseball field, practice field, new bleachers and more parking by 2017.
2014: West Orange trees cut for Seton Hall Prep construction (courtesy (courtesy Loren Svetvilas)
After pledging to replace nearly all 1,000 of the trees it cut down, the private school later backtracked, another member of Our Green West Orange told NJ.com, saying there was not enough room to plant all that they had promised.
The rockslide on Sept. 1 displaced 45 families, a total of 70 people, after an engineering firm’s assessment was read by township officials around Columbus Day, Oct. 8, as first reported by CBS New York.
Recent drone footage shared by NJ.com to Youtube shows the location of the fields, perched above the apartment complex now slated for demolition.
Displaced residents have applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance, as the Mayor’s Sunshine Fund has been paying for their extended hotel stays, according to West Orange Township Councilwoman Cindy Matute-Brown in a Facebook post on Oct. 15.
Of the 59 adults and 11 children permanently displaced from the complex, four have moved in with family members and two have found new living arrangements, according to township spokesman Joe Fagan.
“Several have strong leads to other living arrangements, but no leases have been signed to my knowledge,” he said in a written response to New Jersey 101.5 on Tuesday.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Jonathan Redwine had raised nearly $7,000 as of Tuesday afternoon, while Our Green West Orange was also collecting donations via PayPal for the residents.
As of Tuesday, a number of displaced residents were considering legal action.
“We all thought it was over,” Svetvilas said. “Then when the rockslide happened — it was like, ‘Holy cow,’ this is what we were fighting for.”
Every NJ pizza joint Barstool’s Dave Portnoy has reviewed
Dave Portnoy, commonly known as El Presidente, is the founder of Barstool Sports. Somewhere along the way, he decided to start reviewing local pizzerias, and the concept took off. Here is every New Jersey pizzeria Dave has stopped in, along with the score he gave them.
Red flags for someone who claims to be from New Jersey
What $10,000 could get you in NJ
54 Jersey natives playing in the NFL in 2021 (+ 2 head coaches)
Some of them may even be on your fantasy football team.
Incredible, heartbreaking images of Ida’s damage in New Jersey
In just a few hours the remnants from Ida spawned three tornadoes, dropped between 8 and 10 inches of rain, left over two dozen people dead and plunged thousands into darkness.
Some parts of New Jersey could face flooding issues as a nor’easter brings heavy rain and strong winds to the state on Tuesday.
With flooding a growing concern in New Jersey, as well as many other parts of the country, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has adopted a new rating system that will soon increase the cost of federal flood insurance for most policyholders.
It’s a hike increase that Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is hoping to stop.
According to Menendez, FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0, which went into effect this month, immediately increases the cost of flood insurance for all new policies, and will push policy premiums higher for 77% of current policyholders in the Garden State starting April 1 of 2022.
Menendez said under this new system, what a homeowner pays for flood insurance will be based on an individual home’s risk.
“It’s not based on flood maps. It has a series of different determinants that are going to really create a real challenge for policyholders,” he said.
Menendez said the result will be such a strong rate shock that it’s estimated 900,000 policyholders will drop their flood insurance over the next decade because they simply won’t be able to afford to have it – a scenario that is simply not acceptable.
“Insurance is about spreading risk. The bigger the pot the less the cost, the smaller the pot of people being insured, the higher the cost – so this goes contrary to the whole idea of a national flood insurance program,” Menendez said.
The senator is part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers that recently sent a letter to the Biden administration seeking a delay in enacting the new system, especially because it doesn’t make sense to start raising rates for homeowners if they’re not in a flood zone.
Additionally, new legislation being introduced will put a statutory cap on how much flood insurance policy rates can be increased on an annual basis and cap profits of private insurance companies that write policies. The legislation also calls for more money for mitigation, including building up protective sand dunes, elevating homes and expanding the Blue Acres program that offers buyouts to homeowners in flood zones.
Menendez said increasing the Blue Acres program is especially important. “For every dollar of mitigation we spend, the government saves $6 on the back end, which helps put the program on a path to solvency.”
The legislation also calls for flood maps to be used when determining who is at greater risk, and what the price of different policies should be.
Menendez stressed the national flood insurance program should “give coverage to policyholders, put us on the pathway to sustainability and give people security.”
Incredible, heartbreaking images of Ida’s damage in New Jersey
In just a few hours the remnants from Ida spawned three tornadoes, dropped between 8 and 10 inches of rain, left over two dozen people dead and plunged thousands into darkness.
Early voting locations in each NJ county
Each county in the state will have between three and 10 early voting locations, open daily for the 2021 general election from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31. The sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for Sundays, when they will close at 6 p.m.
The New Jersey Lottery’s Cash4Life is a two-dollar ticket that gives players the chance to win $1,000 a day for life if they match all five numbers and the Cash Ball.
A winner may accept the $1,000 a day prize, or take the $7 million payout.
The odds of hitting this by the way are 1 in 21,846,048. In other words, not likely.
However, if a Cash4Life winner matches all five numbers and not the Cash Ball, they still get a really nice payday.
This is considered the second prize and it pays you $1,000 a week, or a $1 million lump sum.
The odds of winning this prize is 1 in 7,282,016, Those are impossible odds, but someone in Ocean County beat them.
New Jersey Lottery
The New Jersey Lottery announced today that someone purchased a second prize-winning Cash4Life ticket for Sunday’s drawing at Shoprite on North County Line Road in Jackson.
The winning numbers were 9, 13, 30, 36, and 40. The Cash Ball was 4.
Time to check those numbers, right?
At first, I thought, that $1,000 a week is not enough to retire on, but many people can get by on $52,000 a year.
At the very least they can work less and enjoy more.
Don’t forget to factor in taxes.
The $52k a year, or annuity option seems to be a better bet if you’re younger.
If one is older, taking the cash payout of $1 million is the way to go.
The thing is, you can’t decide after you’ve won. You must choose when you purchase the ticket.
Let’s hope whoever made the purchase in Jackson thought through the options.
Either way, congratulations to Ocean County’s newest millionaire, or eventual millionaire!
With cash like this, one could easily move to 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.
CHECK OUT: Where NJ’s biggest winning lottery tickets were sold
