BOONE, N.C. — The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating 16-year-old KyAnna Erwin, who was last seen around 1:00 a.m. on July 24 in the Summer Acres area of Boone.
Officials believe she may be on foot and possibly accompanied by one or more males.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office at 828-264-3761 ext. 2.
Authorities are searching for a missing 16-year-old girl last seen early Thursday in Boone.
HYDE PARK, NY — A 31-year-old Poughkeepsie woman was arrested Wednesday following a narcotics investigation that led to a raid at a Hyde Park motel, authorities said.
The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force identified the suspect as Yelonnie Johnson, who investigators say was selling narcotics in Hyde Park and surrounding areas.
On July 23, agents executed a search warrant at a motel room, where Johnson was taken into custody without incident. Officers seized cocaine, packaging materials, and scales believed to be used for drug distribution.
Johnson was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony. She was arraigned in Hyde Park Town Court and released to probation supervision in accordance with state law.
MONTVILLE, Conn. — Interstate 395 Northbound is closed between exits 6 and 9 after a tractor trailer rollover Friday, according to Connecticut State Police.
Troopers from Troop E in Montville responded to the crash, which has forced traffic off the highway at exit 6. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and expect delays on both I-395 and surrounding roads.
No injuries or timeline for reopening were immediately reported.
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey lawmakers took a step toward formally defining antisemitism on Thursday, advancing legislation that uses a widely recognized international standard as a basis amid rising reports of antisemitic incidents in the state.
The Assembly State and Local Government Committee released bill A3558, which adopts the May 26, 2016, definition of antisemitism issued by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The measure is backed by Assembly Republicans, including primary sponsor Michael Inganamort (R-Morris), and cosponsored by 21 members of the Assembly Republican Conference.
Assemblywoman Claire Swift (R-Atlantic), a committee member, pointed to her deep roots in the Jewish community of Margate and Atlantic County in supporting the measure. “The fact that we have to vote on a bill to define antisemitism is antiquated and inconceivable,” Swift said during the meeting.
The legislation follows the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, in which 1,200 Israelis and 46 Americans were killed, and 251 people were taken hostage. In the months since, the Anti-Defamation League has documented record-high levels of antisemitic incidents, with a 5% increase over the previous year and a 344% increase over the past five years. New Jersey ranks third in the nation for reported incidents, behind only New York and California.
Supporters of the bill said it aims to provide a consistent framework to recognize antisemitic acts while maintaining constitutional protections for free speech and academic expression.
Assemblyman Erik Simonsen (R-Cape May), who also serves on the committee, emphasized that the bill targets hate without restricting constitutional rights. “Hate speech is not free speech no matter the religion, race, ethnicity, et cetera,” Simonsen said.
The bill now advances to the full Assembly for consideration.
QUEENS, N.Y. — Two men used a stun gun to assault and rob a man of more than half a million dollars in jewelry Wednesday morning in a brazen daylight attack in Queens, police said.
At approximately 10:10 a.m. on July 23, a 39-year-old man was walking to his vehicle near 73rd Avenue and 180th Street when he was approached by two unidentified individuals. One of the suspects discharged a stun gun at the victim before throwing him to the ground, according to the NYPD.
A second suspect joined in and forcefully removed the victim’s jewelry. Both men fled in a silver Mercedes-Benz SUV driven by a third individual, traveling northbound on 180th Street toward 73rd Avenue. The stolen jewelry is valued at approximately $559,000.
The victim suffered a laceration and bruising to his wrist and neck. He was transported in stable condition by EMS to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital.
Descriptions of the suspects were released:
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
WAVERLY, OH — A Waverly woman named Kathleen has claimed a $100,000 prize playing the Ohio Lottery’s Bingo Times 50 scratch-off game, officials announced.
The winning ticket was purchased at Super Quik #5, located at 410 Emmitt Avenue in Waverly. After mandatory federal and state taxes totaling 28 percent, she will receive $72,000.
Bingo Times 50 is a $10 scratch-off game with a top prize of $500,000. As of July 24, two top prizes remain unclaimed.
The Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $33 billion to education since its inception in 1974.
BROOKLYN — Police are asking for the public’s help in locating two young sisters who were last seen leaving their Bedford-Stuyvesant residence Thursday evening, according to the NYPD.
Teleah Kelly, 13, and Talayshia Kelly, 11, were reported missing after they left their home on Patchen Avenue around 6:40 p.m. and did not return. Both girls live within the confines of the 81st Precinct.
Teleah is described as approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, 160 pounds, with a medium build, brown eyes, and black hair. She was last seen wearing a pink Mickey Mouse shirt, blue pants, and black sneakers.
Talayshia is described as about 5 feet 5 inches tall, 170 pounds, also with a medium build, brown eyes, and black hair. She was last seen wearing a beige shirt, blue pants, and white sneakers.
There is no indication of foul play at this time, but police have not ruled out any possibilities. The department has not said whether the girls have been reported missing previously.
Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline.
Two Brooklyn sisters, ages 13 and 11, vanished Thursday evening after leaving their home in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
QUEENS — An off-duty NYPD traffic agent was arrested Friday morning in southeast Queens and charged with criminal contempt, according to police.
Mdashraful Haque, 31, was taken into custody at 11:16 a.m. within the confines of the 116th Precinct, which covers neighborhoods including Rosedale and Laurelton. Haque is assigned as a traffic agent with the New York City Police Department.
Authorities confirmed Haque’s arrest in an official statement but did not release further details about the circumstances leading to the charge. He faces a single count of criminal contempt.
“The matter is under internal review,” the department said.
The NYPD did not comment on whether Haque has been suspended or placed on modified duty following the arrest.
Criminal contempt charges in New York often relate to violations of court orders, including orders of protection. It remains unclear what specific type of contempt Haque is accused of committing.
The arrest is being handled by the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau.
COLLEGE PARK, MD — A 46-year-old La Plata man was killed early Friday in a single-vehicle crash on an Interstate 95 ramp in Prince George’s County, Maryland State Police said.
Troopers identified the victim as Kenneth Bowie Jr., who was pronounced dead at the scene by Prince George’s County Fire/EMS personnel.
The crash happened shortly after 3:20 a.m. on the ramp from southbound I-95 to southbound I-495. Investigators say Bowie’s Lincoln MKZ left the roadway, struck a guardrail and an abutment, then crashed into a ravine before catching fire.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration assisted with road closures as the investigation continued.
FAIRFIELD, OH — A Fairfield resident has claimed the top prize on the Ohio Lottery’s Lady Luck 100X scratch-off, securing $40,000 a year for the next 25 years.
Lottery officials said the winner chose the annuity option and, after mandatory federal and state taxes totaling 28 percent, will receive $28,800 annually.
The winning $20 ticket was sold at Kroger #939, located at 560 Wessel Drive in Fairfield. As of July 24, all top prizes for Lady Luck 100X have been claimed.
Since 1974, the Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $33 billion to education across the state.
BELTSVILLE, MD — Prince George’s County Police are investigating the death of a 67-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle during a confrontation with a teenager late Thursday night.
Officers responded around 10:40 p.m. on July 24 to the 11400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, where they found Neville Robinson of Beltsville suffering from severe trauma in the roadway.
Detectives say the driver, a 16-year-old male from Bowie, had been involved in an ongoing dispute with Robinson. On Thursday night, the teen went to Robinson’s home. As the teen drove away, Robinson fired a weapon at him, and the teenager struck Robinson with his vehicle.
The teen has been identified and located. Police say no charges have been filed at this time as the investigation continues in consultation with the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information is asked to call 301-516-2512 or submit tips anonymously via Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or www.pgcrimesolvers.com.
PHILADELPHIA — A woman was shot early Saturday morning inside a property in the city’s Logan section, police said.
The shooting occurred around 1:02 a.m. on the 4500 block of North 20th Street, within the 35th District. According to police, an adult female was struck by gunfire inside the property and was taken to Einstein Medical Center by private vehicle. Her condition was not immediately known.
The scene was secured for investigation, and no arrests have been made. Authorities have not released any information on a possible motive.
The case is being handled by the Shooting Investigation Group.
A woman was wounded and no suspect is in custody after gunfire erupted in a North Philly home.
BALTIMORE, MD — A 38-year-old man was hospitalized Thursday night after being shot in North Baltimore, police said.
Officers responded around 10:30 p.m. on July 24 to the 3300 block of West Garrison Avenue, where they found the victim with a gunshot wound.
Investigators later determined the man had been shot in the 5000 block of Beaufort Avenue, where a crime scene was located.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northern District detectives at 410-396-2455 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A traffic stop for driving without headlights ended in an arrest Thursday night after a motorist led deputies on a brief pursuit into the city, authorities said.
At around 10:02 p.m. on July 24, Deputy W.E. Trainor IV attempted to stop a Honda Civic near Warrenton Road and Lendall Lane. The driver failed to stop and continued across the Falmouth Bridge into Fredericksburg before finally pulling over.
The driver was arrested and charged with DUI, no headlights, and misdemeanor eluding.
HAMILTON, OH — A Hamilton player has claimed a $50,000 prize from the Ohio Lottery’s $1,000,000 Cashword scratch-off game, lottery officials announced.
The winning ticket was purchased at Dixie Marathon, located at 2693 Dixie Highway. After federal and state taxes totaling 28 percent, the player will receive $36,000.
$1,000,000 Cashword is a $20 scratch-off offering a top prize of $40,000 a year for 25 years. As of July 24, one top prize remains unclaimed.
Since 1974, the Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $33 billion to education statewide.
ANNAPOLIS, MD — A 51-year-old man was assaulted and robbed early Friday while using an ATM outside a Capital One Bank in Annapolis, police said.
The robbery happened around 1:30 a.m. on July 25 at 2063 West Street. Investigators say two masked men wearing dark clothing approached the victim as he returned to his car after withdrawing cash. One suspect assaulted the man and stole his money before both fled in a gray SUV toward Annapolis City.
Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 410-222-1960 or provide tips anonymously through the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700.
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — An illegal alien residing in the Toms River area is being held without bail and with a pending immigration detainer in Ocean County after being charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving minors, including aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, according to county inmate records.
Genaro Perez-Bautista, 50, was booked into the Ocean County Jail early Friday on two separate criminal cases that together include more than 20 charges. The charges span aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, and child endangerment. The alleged offenses involve victims under the age of 16, and some charges specify a guardian or supervisory relationship with the minors.
Both cases were filed under separate docket numbers, with offenses cited under New Jersey Criminal Code Sections 2C:14-2A(2)(C), 2C:14-2C(3)(C), 2C:14-3, and 2C:24-4A. The offenses range in degree from first to third and involve multiple instances of alleged misconduct.
He was booked into jail on Friday.
A federal immigration detainer was also lodged against him by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to jail records.
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A fast-moving tornado tore through part of the Jersey Shore on Thursday, damaging the Toms River vacation home of Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga.
In a social media post shared just an hour after the storm hit, Gorga said the tornado struck her Shore area house briefly but forcefully.
“A tornado just blasted through my Shore House,” Gorga wrote on Instagram, alongside video showing damage. “Literally came through for one minute, wrecked the joint and left.”
The National Weather Service has not yet confirmed the tornado’s classification, but severe thunderstorms were reported across Ocean County Thursday afternoon. Toms River officials have not yet issued a statement on the extent of the storm damage.
Earlier this week, waterspouts were documented by the National Weather Service in nearby Island Beach State Park, just a few miles from her Toms River home.
Strong winds passed through the area with a passing storm at around 7:00 pm on Friday night bring heavy rain and gale force winds to areas around Ocean County.
Gorga’s shore home, prominently featured on Bravo’s long-running reality series, is located in a coastal area that has seen increased storm activity in recent summers.
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey is among more than 20 states challenging new federal rules that restrict illegal immigrants from accessing certain U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) benefits, joining a lawsuit led by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The coalition of Democratic attorneys general filed the suit earlier this week, asking a federal court to block HHS regulations introduced by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earlier this month. As first reported by Breitbart News, the rules bar undocumented immigrants from programs including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, Head Start, and mental health services funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
According to a press release from James’ office, the lawsuit seeks “to declare the new rules unlawful, halt their implementation through preliminary and permanent injunctions,” and restore prior eligibility standards.
New Jersey joins states such as California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon, Vermont, and others in arguing that the rule change undermines long-standing state safety net programs.
“For decades, states like New York have built health, education, and family support systems that serve anyone in need,” James said. “Now, the federal government is pulling that foundation out from under us overnight, jeopardizing cancer screenings, early childhood education, primary care, and so much more.”
The legal action comes after HHS clarified that the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PWORA) limits federal benefit access to qualified noncitizens, excluding undocumented immigrants from many aid programs previously offered through state partnerships.
The lawsuit argues that the federal interpretation of PWORA is being used to “dismantle core safety net programs,” and requests the court to vacate the rule entirely.
New Jersey’s Attorney General’s Office has not issued a separate statement but is listed as a participant in the multi-state suit filed in federal court.
VILLANOVA, PA — Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a 96-year-old woman who went missing early Friday after leaving her residence in Villanova.
Lower Merion Police said Elizabeth Moore, described as a Black female standing 5 feet 2 inches tall with a medium build, was last seen around 12:30 a.m. wearing a turquoise track suit, leopard-print slippers, and possibly using a cane.
Authorities are urging residents in the area to review home security footage for any sign of Moore.
Anyone who sees her or has information about her whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Four people, including two juveniles, were critically injured in a shooting Thursday night in North Philadelphia, police said.
Officers from the 22nd District responded at about 9:38 p.m. to the 2300 block of Lambert Street for reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found four victims — an adult female, an adult male, a juvenile male, and a juvenile female — suffering from gunshot wounds.
All four victims were transported by police to Temple University Hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation
SHELTON, CT — A Meriden resident has claimed a $100,000 prize in the Powerball drawing held on July 23, Connecticut Lottery officials announced.
The winner, identified as Joseph F., purchased his lucky ticket at Wheels #174, located in Shelton.
Powerball, one of the nation’s most popular lottery games, gives players the chance to win prizes ranging from a few dollars to multimillion-dollar jackpots. Matching certain numbers can also result in substantial secondary prizes, such as the $100,000 Joseph secured in this draw.
Alien detainees linked to drug cartels may be held at Joint Base in New Jersey under new federal plan
TOMS RIVER, NJ — Non-citizens suspected of ties to transnational criminal organizations or drug activity may soon be temporarily detained at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL), as part of a new federal initiative involving the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
The base partially located in Ocean and Burlington Counties has been used before to house foriegn nationals.
The plan, outlined in a recent briefing to Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), would allow the Department of Homeland Security to use military facilities for the detention and removal of certain non-citizen individuals deemed low-risk but connected to drug trafficking or organized crime. Smith, whose district includes much of JBMDL, called the plan a “better alternative” to allowing potentially dangerous individuals to remain on U.S. streets.
“Would it be better to have the people who entered the U.S. illegally and ‘have a nexus to a transnational criminal organization or criminal drug activity’ just walking around our streets and threatening the well-being of our young people,” Smith said following the Department of Defense briefing.
The Department of Defense has approved DHS’s request for limited support of ICE operations, including housing up to 1,000 detainees each at JBMDL in New Jersey and Camp Atterbury in Indiana, if needed. The facilities would serve as overflow locations once Fort Bliss in Texas reaches its expanded capacity of 5,000 detainees early next year.
Under the proposal, the Department of Defense will provide basic logistical support — including shelter infrastructure, air conditioning, and water services — but DHS will retain control over security, detention, and removal operations.
Smith, the longest-serving member of New Jersey’s congressional delegation, emphasized that JBMDL has a long history of supporting temporary migrant housing in times of national need. A Congressional Research Service memo he requested noted the base’s prior roles in housing:
“I have represented parts of this great military facility for more than 40 years, and I am proud to have worked to expand, strengthen and save JBMDL from multiple attempted base closings,” Smith said. “The DOD knows that our facility has been used successfully for temporary migrant housing in the past.”
JBMDL also houses the Federal Correctional Institution at Fort Dix, which has a population of over 4,000 inmates. Smith noted that the presence of the federal prison and prior refugee operations make the joint base uniquely equipped to handle this new mission.
Under U.S. law, the Secretary of Defense may support law enforcement agencies in drug interdiction and efforts to combat transnational organized crime. Individuals designated as high-level threats will continue to be held at Guantanamo Bay, not at U.S.-based facilities.
Federal officials have not yet confirmed when or if JBMDL will be activated for this mission.
BALTIMORE, MD — A 32-year-old man was injured in a late-night shooting Thursday in East Baltimore, authorities said.
Officers responded around 11:48 p.m. on July 24 to the 1500 block of Holbrook Street, where they found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds.
Medics transported the man to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition has not been disclosed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 410-396-2433 or call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.
DENTON, MD — A Caroline County woman has claimed the first $50,000 top prize in Maryland Lottery’s new Gold Bar Bingo scratch-off game.
The winner, who regularly plays Maryland Lottery games and favors new scratch-offs, purchased the $5 ticket at the Shell gas station at 1101 Shore Highway in Denton. Her card formed an X pattern, earning the game’s top-tier prize.
She claimed her winnings on July 23 at Lottery headquarters and said her immediate plans include paying off personal expenses. The retailer will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Gold Bar Bingo, which launched July 18, started with eight top prizes of $50,000. Following this win, seven remain, along with 10 prizes at the $10,000 level and tens of thousands of lower-tier prizes.