TOMS RIVER, NJ – The RWJBarnabas Health Arena hosted the annual Unsung Heroes event yesterday, organized by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. This significant event celebrates young individuals from Ocean County who have shown remarkable resilience and virtue in the face of adversity.
The ceremony honored 27 young adults, who were accompanied by their family members and school-based advocates. The atmosphere was charged with inspiration and emotion as these exceptional youths were recognized for their courage and determination.
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The event featured a variety of performances and contributions from local school groups, enhancing the celebratory mood. High School North’s band provided the musical backdrop, while the district’s Junior ROTC program added a touch of pre-show patriotism. Additionally, volunteers from the T.E.A.M. program were present to assist with the event’s proceedings.
High School East teacher Allison Goodwin was also in attendance, capturing the poignant moments of the ceremony. Her photographs, which document this inspiring occasion, are featured prominently.
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The community extends heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 Unsung Heroes from High School East, High School North, High School South, and other schools across Ocean County, applauding their spirit and achievements.
- Lawmakers Seek to Block Legislative Aides From Giving Money to Their Boss
TRENTON, NJ – The Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee has recommended Assembly Bill No. 2619 with amendments, aimed at regulating political contributions by legislative aides. This legislation, dated June 13, 2024, seeks to prohibit legislative aides working in district offices from making political contributions greater than $30 to the legislator they work for.
This effort would alleviate the claims of impropriety and pay-to-play for state workers who engage in politics and are rewarded with jobs for their political contributions.
Under the amended bill, any legislative aide, whether part-time or full-time, employed by a member of the Legislature and working in a legislative district office as an aide, personal assistant, manager, advisor, or secretary, is restricted from donating more than $30 to that legislator’s candidate committee or joint candidates committee. Additionally, legislators and associated individuals are forbidden from soliciting or accepting contributions that exceed this limit.
Violations of these stipulations are considered a fourth-degree crime, potentially resulting in up to 18 months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
The bill was initially prepared for the 2024-2025 session and has undergone technical revisions as suggested by the technical review process. Notably, the committee amendments have eliminated the post-employment donation restrictions, which previously applied to former employees for two years after ending their service.
- Youth Suicide Up 62% Since 2007, Now New Jersey Wants to Know Why
TRENTON, NJ – In response to a disturbing 62% increase in youth suicide rates from 2007 to 2021, New Jersey has introduced a legislative measure aimed at understanding and mitigating the causes of youth suicide. The bill mandates a comprehensive study to be conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Human Services, and the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.
The study will explore a range of potential causes and risk factors related to youth suicide, including aggression, anxiety, emotional and physical trauma, family history, mental and physical illness, social withdrawal, and substance use. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with reviewing a wide array of data and literature to ensure a thorough analysis while adhering to federal and state privacy laws.
The bill stipulates that within 180 days after it becomes effective, the Commissioner of Health must submit a report to both the Governor and the Legislature. This report will outline the findings from the study and include recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes aimed at preventing youth suicide.
The act is set to take immediate effect and will expire upon the submission of the Commissioner's report, ensuring a targeted and timely approach to addressing this critical public health issue.
- 31-Year-Old Shot in Woodbridge During Fight Not Cooperating with Police
WO ODBRIDGE, VA – Authorities are currently investigating a shooting incident that took place yesterday afternoon around 3:00 PM at the Woodwind Villa Apartments on Piccolo Lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 31-year-old man with a gunshot wound on Richmond Highway, where they administered first aid. The victim was then transported by fire and rescue personnel to a hospital, suffering from non-life threatening injuries.
The initial investigation suggests that the shooting began on a nearby walking path. Witnesses reported seeing multiple individuals fleeing the area. A subsequent altercation involving the injured man and two unidentified men occurred shortly thereafter.
The victim sought help on Richmond Highway where he was eventually found by police.
During their investigation, law enforcement discovered two apartments and multiple shell casings impacted by the incident. Thankfully, no further injuries or significant property damage was reported. The victim has since declined to cooperate further with the ongoing investigation.
The authorities are seeking the public's assistance in gathering more information about the incident. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the police to aid in the investigation.
- Elderly Man Goes Missing in Manhattan
NEW YORK, NY – The New York City Police Department is appealing for public assistance to help locate 81-year-old Carlos Recio, who has been reported missing within the 7th Precinct area. Mr. Recio was last seen at his residence at 675 Water Street, Manhattan, on Thursday at around 6:00 PM.
Described as a male with a light complexion, Mr. Recio stands about 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs approximately 125 pounds, and has a slim build. He was last observed wearing a black Kangol hat, a gray striped shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers.
The police are urging anyone who has seen Carlos Recio or has information regarding his whereabouts to come forward to assist in ensuring his safe return.
- NYPD Seeks Public Help to Identify Suspect in Subway Grand Larceny
NEW YORK CITY, NY – The New York City Police Department is seeking assistance from the public to identify a suspect involved in a grand larceny on the southbound L train. The incident occurred near the Halsey Train Station on Tuesday at about 1:50 PM.
The suspect is accused of snatching an iPhone 13 from a 15-year-old girl's hand as the train doors opened. He then fled the scene on foot, heading south on Halsey Street. Fortunately, the victim was not injured during the incident.
The suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion, around six feet tall, with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black Nike hooded sweatshirt, blue ripped jeans, a black belt, blue sneakers, and a blue du-rag. Anyone with information about this individual or the incident is encouraged to contact the authorities.
- Firearm Pulled During Fight at Woodbridge Popeyes
WOODBRIDGE, VA – Early this morning, police were called to a Popeyes restaurant on Richmond Highway after a report of a firearm being brandished. Officers arrived at the scene at 12:41 AM to investigate the incident involving a 23-year-old employee and an unidentified man.
According to the investigation, the employee was outside Popeyes when he engaged in a verbal dispute with the suspect. The confrontation escalated, leading to the suspect brandishing a firearm. Following the incident, the employee returned inside the establishment and alerted the police. No shots were fired during the encounter.
The suspect is described as a black male, aged between 20 to 22 years old. He was last seen wearing a black jacket tied around his head, a white tank top, and long black pants. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.