Newark Teenager Missing Since Last August, Police Continue Search

Newark teenager missing since last august, police continue search - photo licensed by shore news network.

NEWARK, NJ—The Newark Department of Public Safety continues its urgent search for 17-year-old Aaliyah Bryant, reported missing since Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Aaliyah, known to have run away in the past, was last seen on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the 100 block of Chancellor Avenue. At the time, she was dressed in a long white T-shirt and black leggings, and was carrying a cross-body bag.

Aaliyah is described as being 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 300 pounds, with a light-brown complexion and blonde hair. She has a silver nose piercing.

Aaliyah is also diagnosed with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé is calling on anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All tips are confidential and could lead to a reward.

  • Sandwich pride debate settled: it’s called a sub, not a hoagie

    TOMS RIVER, NJ – There’s one thing guaranteed to stir up debate faster than traffic on the Parkway: what do you call that long sandwich stuffed with deli meats, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar? Some say hoagie, others insist on hero or grinder. But in New Jersey, most folks will tell you straight up—it’s a sub.

    Exhibit A: It’s Jersey’s Mike’s Subs. Not Jersey Mike’s Hoagies
    Exhibit B: Wawa says “Hoagie”, Not Sub.

    Rebuttal: Jersey Mike’s is from New Jersey. Wawa is from Pennsylvania.

    Wawa originated as a dairy farm founded by George Wood in 1902 in Wawa, Pennsylvania, Delaware County). It began as a processing plant for certified milk before opening its first16260843236717521877 food market in Folsom, Pennsylvania, on April 16, 1964, to adapt to declining home milk delivery. The name comes from the Ojibwe word for the Canada goose. 

    Jersey Mike’s originated in 1956 as “Mike’s Subs,” a small, local storefront in the seaside town of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Founded on the Jersey Shore, it was later purchased in 1975 by17-year-old Peter Cancro, who began franchising the brand as Jersey Mike’s in 1987. 

    Newark teenager missing since last august, police continue search - photo licensed by shore news network.
    Newark teenager missing since last august, police continue search - photo authorized for use by and/or licensed by shore news network

    Now that we have settled the matter, let’s continue.

    The argument isn’t new. Across the Northeast, locals cling to their sandwich slang like it’s a badge of honor. In Philadelphia, it’s a hoagie. Up in New York, they order a hero. Go further north to New England, and you might hear someone ask for a grinder. But cross into the Garden State, and you’ll get a quick correction if you call it anything other than a sub.

    A hero is also a New York City thing, not a Jersey thing. The folks up in Bergen county need to just chill. We’re not sure why some in Northwest New Jersey call it a grinder, it could be the thinner air and less oxygen to their brains up in the mountains. Not a fact, just an assumption.

    Newark teenager missing since last august, police continue search - photo licensed by shore news network.
    A jersey’s mike’s sub

    According to local lore, the term “sub” originated during World War II when Italian-American shipyard workers along the Jersey coast started ordering long sandwiches that resembled the submarines being built nearby. The nickname stuck, and by the 1950s, “submarine sandwich” was a staple of every corner deli from Hoboken to Cape May.

    Not just a sandwich—part of Jersey culture

    Ask any New Jerseyan about their favorite sub shop and you’ll get passionate answers: White House Subs in Atlantic City, Fiore’s in Hoboken, or perhaps that tiny family-run spot tucked beside a gas station that’s been making cold cuts since the ’70s. The sub isn’t just food—it’s a ritual. You grab one for a day at the beach, a high school football game, or after a long shift on the job.

    • In New Jersey, it’s always called a sub
    • The name traces back to the state’s shipyard heritage
    • Every town has its go-to sub shop and loyal following
    Newark teenager missing since last august, police continue search - photo licensed by shore news network.
    People line up for hoagies at wawa

    Outsiders may argue for their “hoagies” or “heroes,” but in New Jersey, that word just doesn’t sound right. The roll, the meats, the oil and vinegar—every bite screams Jersey.

    So next time someone asks what you want for lunch, don’t overthink it. Skip the hoagie. Forget the hero. In New Jersey, we know the truth—nothing beats a good old-fashioned sub.

  • Police on alert as ‘teen takeover’ rumors swirl in New Rochelle

    NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The New Rochelle Police Department is ramping up its presence after online chatter suggested a possible teen takeover could unfold in the city Tuesday evening. Officials said the event appears to be part of a wave of social media-organized gatherings that have led to chaos in other U.S. cities.

    Police confirmed they are monitoring several posts circulating on social platforms promoting the event. The department said it is coordinating with regional law enforcement agencies to ensure any unlawful activity is met with a rapid response.

    “These so-called takeovers often result in large, unsanctioned gatherings that can escalate quickly,” police officials said. “Any behavior that endangers residents, businesses, or visitors will be addressed to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Authorities pointed to a recent “teen takeover” at Bay Plaza in the Bronx on February 16, which devolved into violence and property damage, prompting a heavy police response. New Rochelle police said they are taking proactive steps to prevent a repeat locally.

    Police urge parents to intervene and teens to stay away

    Parents and guardians are being asked to speak with their children about the dangers of participating in these events, which have been linked to vandalism, fights, and other unsafe conditions. Officials emphasized that these gatherings are not harmless meetups but potential flashpoints requiring police response and risking criminal charges.

    Residents and business owners are urged to stay vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and avoid spreading unverified rumors that could cause unnecessary panic.

    • Police monitoring social media after “teen takeover” rumors spread
    • Parents warned of risks linked to unsanctioned gatherings
    • Authorities promise swift action against illegal activity

    Police said public safety remains their top priority and that officers will maintain an increased presence throughout the evening to deter disturbances.

    Officials encouraged anyone with credible information to contact the New Rochelle Police Department directly.

  • DHS shutdown leaves TSA at Newark Airport working without pay as tensions rise

    NEWARK, NJ – As New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill deals with New Jersey Transit delays statewide, a new travel nightmare is taking shape under the leadership of state Democrats in Congress.

    A lapse in Department of Homeland Security funding has forced thousands of Transportation Security Administration officers at Newark Liberty International Airport and other major hubs across New York and New Jersey to work without pay, sparking mounting frustration among employees and travelers.

    The shutdown, being pushed by Democrats in New Jersey is leading to delays and inconveniences for travelers. Worse, it means those workers at Newark Airport are working without pay until the shut down is complete.

    Scenes from Newark airport show closed boarding gates and long lines.

    Newark teenager missing since last august, police continue search - photo licensed by shore news network.
    Newark teenager missing since last august, police continue search - photo authorized for use by and/or licensed by shore news network

    As of mid-February 2026, the partial shutdown has created ripple effects across key airports including Newark (EWR), JFK, and LaGuardia. Flights continue to operate, but passengers are already seeing the early signs of strain—longer security lines, limited staffing, and sporadic delays.

    Federal officials confirmed that roughly 95% of TSA agents remain on duty as “essential employees,” meaning they are legally required to report to work even though paychecks have stopped. Some staff have begun picking up second jobs to make ends meet, echoing the struggles seen during the 2019 federal shutdown.

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has warned that extended funding lapses could lead to “severe operating challenges,” particularly at high-volume airports such as Newark. Travelers may face slower security screening, increased wait times, and possible terminal congestion if absentee rates climb.

    Political blame game erupts as workers feel the pinch

    The funding lapse, described by officials as a DHS-specific shutdown, has ignited political controversy. Mike Crispi, chairman of America First NJ, sharply criticized Governor Mikie Sherrill, writing on X, “Newark airport is a massive transit hub for millions of local residents. The Democrat shutdown of DHS, which is purely performative as it doesn’t even impact ICE, is causing massive sections of our airport to be shut down. Sherrill supports this.”

    Meanwhile, TSA leadership has urged patience, assuring employees that pay will be restored retroactively once funding resumes. The FAA, which operates under the Department of Transportation, remains funded, ensuring that air traffic controllers continue to receive paychecks—preventing the kind of large-scale flight cancellations that crippled airports in past shutdowns.

    • Around 95% of TSA agents are working without pay
    • Travelers at Newark Airport and other hubs face longer lines
    • FAA operations remain funded, limiting major flight disruptions

    Still, aviation analysts warn that morale among unpaid federal security staff could deteriorate quickly, particularly if the shutdown drags into March.

    Past shutdowns offer warning signs

    During the 2019 federal government shutdown, hundreds of TSA officers at Newark called out sick, leading to checkpoint closures and hours-long delays. Officials fear a similar pattern could repeat if workers’ financial stress grows.

    Passengers are being advised to arrive early for all flights departing from New York and New Jersey airports until the situation is resolved.

    Related topics: TSA | Newark Airport | Department of Homeland Security

  • Foster dog favorite DJ ready for forever home

    NEWARK, NJ – A large mixed-breed dog known as Dwayne Johnson, or “DJ,” is settling into foster life and waiting for a permanent home through the Associated Humane Societies in Newark.

    DJ transitioned from a kennel environment to a foster home, where he has adjusted quickly to living indoors. His foster caregiver described him as affectionate and eager to bond with people.

    According to shelter representatives, DJ is house trained and does not require a crate in the home. He responds to basic commands and has shown the ability to learn additional cues. Staff also report he is dog friendly and recently participated in a supervised play session with another family dog without issue.

    Despite his size, DJ is described as gentle when interacting with people, toys, and treats. Shelter officials noted that because he may attempt to sit on laps, a home without small children is recommended.

    Adoption application required to meet DJ

    The Associated Humane Societies said interested adopters must first complete an adoption application before scheduling a meet-and-greet. The organization continues to place dogs through its foster care network while seeking permanent homes.

    DJ’s profile lists him as dog friendly and comfortable in a household setting. Officials believe he could do well in a home with another compatible canine companion.

    • DJ is house trained and knows basic commands
    • Dog friendly and adjusted quickly to foster home life
    • Adoption application required before scheduling a meeting

    The Associated Humane Societies Newark encourages prospective adopters to apply online to begin the process.

    DJ continues search for permanent family

  • Bill would require corporations to disclose owners when buying New Jersey houses

    Trenton, NJ – A new proposal introduced in the New Jersey Assembly aims to bring greater transparency to real estate transactions involving limited liability companies (LLCs). Assembly Bill A4017, sponsored by Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R–12), would require LLCs and foreign LLCs that purchase residential properties to disclose their beneficial owners when submitting deeds for recording.

    The legislation, introduced on February 12, 2026, comes amid growing concern about the rise of anonymous property ownership through shell companies, particularly in residential real estate.

    Under the bill, any LLC purchasing residential property intended for rental use — including one- or two-family homes or multi-dwelling buildings — would need to include an affidavit with the deed. That affidavit must list the company’s registered agent and the beneficial owner’s identifying information:

    • full legal name
    • date of birth
    • business street address
    • and a unique ID number from an accepted identification document.

    If the registered agent is not a member of the company, the affidavit must also identify at least one company member.

    The bill defines a “beneficial owner” as any individual who directly or indirectly owns at least 25 percent of the entity’s ownership interests — or, in companies with no owner above that threshold, the individual with the greatest ownership interest.

    Municipalities would also gain new enforcement authority under the proposal. Towns could, by ordinance, convert unpaid housing, building, or health code fines issued to LLC-owned residential properties into tax liens if they remain unpaid for more than 12 months.

    • Bill A4017 introduced by Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R–12)
    • LLCs buying rental homes must disclose ownership in public deed filings
    • Towns could place liens on LLC-owned properties with unpaid code violations

    Supporters say the measure would make it easier for local governments and residents to identify who truly owns rental properties — particularly in communities struggling with absentee landlords or code enforcement challenges.

    If enacted, the measure would take effect immediately.

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