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Dem Leader Appears Shocked to Learn Murphy Policies Have Made Life in New Jersey Unaffordable for Many

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. — A top New Jersey Democrat acknowledged this week that the state’s cost of living has surged in recent years and pledged to prioritize affordability in ongoing budget negotiations. Assembly Budget Chair Asw. Pintor Marin’s remarks come as residents face increased prices across housing, insurance, groceries, and utility bills, with critics citing the cumulative impact of progressive policies, rising energy costs, and stalled wind energy projects under Gov. Phil Murphy and President Joe Biden. “Affordability is very important. It affects everyone. It’s not one of those issues that only affects a certain percentage,” the Democratic leader said. “I’m

Brick GOP leaders urged to resign amid payments to club leaders, husband of board president

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

BRICK, NJ — Leading members of the Brick Republican Club are facing growing pressure to resign following allegations of questionable campaign expenditures tied to the 2023 election cycle. Calls for the resignation of Ruthanne Scaturro and Marc Vasquez, both of whom have served in executive roles within the organization, have intensified as internal concerns mount over payments made during and after the campaign. Vasquez, listed as president, was reportedly paid nearly $20,000 in consulting fees, including a $1,000 payment for his involvement on Election Day. Scaturro serves as president of the Brick GOP Club. She is also vice-chairwoman of the

Bahama Breeze in Toms River abruptly closes down, employees left outside

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Bahama Breeze restaurant in Toms River closed without warning Friday, leaving employees and patrons surprised as they arrived to find the doors locked. Workers reported to the location expecting a normal shift but were met with no prior notice and a locked entrance. No official explanation was posted on the building or released by the company at the time of closure. “I showed up for work today and the doors were locked,” one employee told a reporter today, reflecting confusion among the restaurant’s staff. Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean-themed chain operated by Darden Restaurants, had operated

Tornado warning issued for parts of southern New Jersey

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning Friday afternoon for multiple counties in southern New Jersey as severe storms moved through the region. At 12:52 p.m. EDT, meteorologists from the Mount Holly office reported radar-indicated rotation near Victory Lakes, approximately 11 miles northeast of Vineland. The storm, capable of producing a tornado and damaging straight-line winds, was moving southeast at 30 mph. The tornado warning is in effect until 1:15 p.m. and includes northwestern Atlantic County, south central Camden County, and southeastern Gloucester County. The warning indicates the potential for significant damage. “Flying debris will

Spadea demands better pay for NJ Transit workers, after decades of calling for privatization

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

Spadea blames Murphy for NJ Transit strike after years of calling for privatization TRENTON, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea is criticizing Governor Phil Murphy over the ongoing NJ Transit strike, despite his long-standing support for privatizing the embattled state-run transportation system. In a statement released Friday, Spadea said, “Shame on Governor Murphy for allowing the NJ Transit negotiations to get to this point,” and accused the administration of failing to prevent the walkout by not addressing worker demands earlier. Nine years, ago, Spadea, the radio host was singing a different tune than Spadea the politician. He called for

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for 14 New Jersey through 5 p.m.

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. — The National Weather Service has issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch 260 for much of New Jersey, effective until 5 p.m. Friday, as unstable conditions heighten the risk for strong storms across the region. Counties included in the watch are Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, and Warren. According to the Storm Prediction Center, residents in the affected areas should remain alert for the potential of damaging winds, hail, and heavy rainfall throughout the day. Today’s forecast calls for a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2 p.m. and

State police remind boaters to register all power vessels in New Jersey

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey State Police issued a public reminder that all power vessels operating in New Jersey waters must be registered with the state, regardless of size. The advisory applies to any vessel used in New Jersey for more than 180 consecutive days or with a New Jersey hailing port. Failing to register can result in enforcement actions, including a summons, a mandatory court appearance, and immediate termination of the voyage. “Operating an unregistered vessel can result in: a summons, a mandatory court appearance, [and] immediate termination of your voyage,” the department stated in a post shared

Curtis Sliwa and Newt Gingrich endorse Mario Kranjac for New Jersey governor

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac has received endorsements from Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich in his bid to become the Republican nominee for governor of New Jersey. Kranjac, an attorney, according to Sliwa has been the group’s legal counsel for over thirty years, donating his time to the organization. Sliwa, a longtime associate of Kranjac and the founder of the volunteer crime prevention group, announced the endorsement in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “I have known Mario for 30 years,” Sliwa stated. “He became Mayor of Englewood Cliffs,

NJ Transit Rail Service Grinds to Halt Amid Engineers’ Strike as Bus Drivers Call Out Sick

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

Newark, NJ – NJ Transit’s rail network has come to a standstill following a strike by locomotive engineers, plunging New Jersey’s mass transit system into chaos and impacting roughly 350,000 daily commuters. The work stoppage, which began at midnight, marks the state’s first rail strike in over four decades. Compounding the crisis, other NJ Transit services, including buses and light rail, are facing disruptions due to reported sick calls and staffing issues among union workers, further straining the region’s transportation options. The engineers’ strike stems from a heated dispute over wages, with the union pushing for significant pay increases to

Ocean County Commissioners pay $20,500,000 for property owned by GOP megadonor

Breaking Local News ReportMay 16, 20250

Manchester,. NJ – Republican megadonor Larry Bathgate, a Lakewood attorney, has cashed in on a $20,500,000 land sale with the Ocean County Natural Land Trust. Bathgate, owner of a property on Ridgeway Road sold the property to the county in a sweetheart deal for the aging GOP megadonor. The lot, located in the New Jersey Pinelands sold for more than most realtors valued the property. That comes out to $220,000 per acre for land that would sell on the open market for between $60,000 and $80,000 per acre. The deal was facilitated by Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, a

Atlantic City lawmakers move to block North Jersey casino plan

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. — Senator Vince Polistina, Assemblyman Don Guardian, and Assemblywoman Claire Swift reaffirmed their opposition Thursday to a revived effort to expand casino gaming into North Jersey, citing economic concerns and voter sentiment. The lawmakers responded to a recent proposal by Senators Vin Gopal and Paul Sarlo advocating for casino development beyond Atlantic City. Polistina emphasized that the state’s voters already rejected such expansion in a 2016 referendum, where 77% opposed allowing casinos outside Atlantic City. “New Jersey voters have made their voices clear that casinos belong in Atlantic City and Atlantic City only,” said Polistina. “Now is the

Stranded pilot whale euthanized after repeated beachings in New Jersey

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

SEA BRIGHT, NJ — A long-finned pilot whale found stranded in the surf just north of the Ship Ahoy Beach Club on Wednesday was humanely euthanized after multiple failed attempts to return it to deeper water, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. Witnesses first observed the whale, estimated to be 15 feet long, swimming back into open water before turning around and beaching itself again. The MMSC Stranding Team and a veterinarian were dispatched from Brigantine, while Sea Bright Police, Fire, and Public Works departments, along with volunteers, monitored the scene. Upon arrival, responders found the male whale lying

YouTubers and influencers driving dangerously in New Jersey traffic to create viral videos

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — A growing number of social media influencers and YouTubers are filming high-speed stunts on New Jersey roads, weaving through traffic and reaching excessive speeds in cars and motorcycles to gain views—raising alarm among law enforcement and the public over road safety. Videos posted across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram show drivers engaging in risky behavior across major highways including the Garden State Parkway, Interstate 287, and Route 22. Footage often features motorcycles threading through cars at high speed, drivers running red lights, and influencers narrating their maneuvers while ignoring traffic laws. Law enforcement officials and transportation

UnitedHealth stock plummets after DOJ probe into healthcare fraud announced

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into UnitedHealth Group, one of the nation’s largest health insurers, for potential Medicare fraud, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The probe, which focuses on the company’s Medicare Advantage business practices, marks a significant escalation in scrutiny for the healthcare giant. UnitedHealth Group, in a statement, said it has not been notified by the Department of Justice about the reported investigation and defended the integrity of its Medicare Advantage program. The company’s stock took a hit, dropping 32% in the past few days. The investigation comes at

Meet New Jersey’s Five Snobbiest Towns

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

New Jersey is a state of contrasts, from bustling cities to quiet suburbs and shore towns that draw summer crowds. Yet, hidden within the Garden State are towns where wealth, education, and a certain air of superiority create an unmistakable vibe of snobbery. High home prices, lofty incomes, and a touch of social attitude define these places. Here are New Jersey’s five snobbiest towns for 2025, each with its own brand of exclusivity. Chatham, a picturesque borough in Morris County, claims the top spot. With median home values around a million dollars and household incomes deep in the six figures,

Monmouth Executive Airport CEO backs Spadea as airport expansion plans move forward

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

FREEHOLD, NJ — As Monmouth Executive Airport enters a new phase of cooperation with county officials, the facility’s owner, Alan Antaki, has made a financial contribution to Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea’s campaign. Spadea has floated the idea of the airport being a major transportation hub to offload air traffic from the embattled Newark aiport recently. If Bill Spadea becomes governor, the skies above Monmouth and Ocean County could see much larger planes taking off and landing at the small executive airport. Today, campaign finance records show that Antaki wrote a $1,000 check to Spadea, a conservative radio host and

Baraka campaign paid brother’s firm over $500K this year, records show

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

NEWARK, NJ — Gubernatorial candidate and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s campaign has directed more than $500,000 to a consulting firm owned by his brother in 2025 alone, according to recent campaign finance disclosures. Filings show that the firm, Bottom Up, collected roughly $529,200 this year for consulting services. In 2024, it was paid $46,000 for voter outreach efforts. As of May 9, Baraka’s campaign has reported a total of $4.8 million in expenditures. This comes weeks after it was reported that Common Sense Club, a non-profit political group founded by GOP candidate Bill Spadea paid the candidate $250,000 through an

Bucco slams Murphy’s energy plan as costly and politically motivated

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

TRENTON, NJ — Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) criticized Governor Phil Murphy’s newly announced executive actions on energy policy Wednesday, accusing the administration of recycling failed strategies while ignoring the real drivers of rising electricity costs in New Jersey. “The Governor’s latest plan misses the mark,” Bucco said. “It doubles down on the same failed renewable energy mandates that have driven up costs and weakened grid reliability.” Bucco took issue with the timing of the plan, arguing that it delays the financial impact of higher utility bills until after the upcoming election. He characterized that element of the

Lawmakers call on Murphy to suspend state tax, equity tax on rising utility bills

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

TRENTON, NJ — Republican State Senators Joe Pennacchio (R-26) and Latham Tiver (R-8) are calling on Governor Phil Murphy to suspend state taxes on electricity bills, citing increased pressure on households and businesses from rising energy costs. The lawmakers issued a joint statement Wednesday criticizing Murphy’s recently announced executive actions addressing utility prices, arguing the measures do not go far enough. “As energy prices continue to climb, New Jerseyans are being squeezed harder than ever,” the senators said. “Our legislation would provide real, immediate relief by suspending the sales and use tax as well as the Societal Benefits Charge on

Russian national arrested in Boston for smuggling frog embryos into U.S.

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a Russian national Tuesday on charges of smuggling undeclared biological materials, including clawed frog embryos, into the United States through Boston Logan International Airport. Kseniia Petrova, 31, was charged with one count of smuggling goods into the U.S. According to ICE, Petrova arrived in Boston from Paris on Feb. 16 and was stopped after a law enforcement canine alerted officials to her duffel bag at baggage claim. Upon inspection, agents discovered a foam box inside the bag containing microcentrifuges filled with clawed frog embryos, as well as embryonic samples embedded in

Stranded, sick seal recovered in New Jersey this year, makes an appearance at Martha’s Vineyard

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

AQUINNAH, Mass. — A rehabilitated grey seal that was treated and released in New Jersey has been spotted more than 180 miles away, relaxing on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The seal, identified as former patient #25-003 and nicknamed “Belmar,” was originally rescued in Belmar, N.J., after stranding on February 7. At the time, the young pup was still covered in his lanugo — a soft birthing coat — and was suffering from lungworm, a parasitic infection common in young seals. Following two months of treatment at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC)

Elderly congresswoman caught sleeping said she was tired from fighting Republicans

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

Rep. Debbie Dingell explains viral nap moment after 31-hour Medicaid debate WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., responded to a viral image showing her appearing to sleep during a congressional session, stating she had been awake for more than 31 hours “fighting Republicans trying to gut Medicaid.” The incident drew attention after Dingell posted on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Been up for 31 hours straight fighting Republicans trying to gut Medicaid. Closed my eyes to think about an America where everyone has access to quality, affordable health care.” Dingell, 70, has represented Michigan’s 6th Congressional District since 2015, succeeding

New Jersey seeks $60 million for even more equitable energy funding

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Democrats are moving forward with legislation that would authorize the state Board of Public Utilities to use ratepayer funds to support large-scale energy storage systems, raising concerns over potential increases in electricity costs through expanded hidden fees. Under the bill, the board is mandated to establish and oversee a program to incentivize the development of transmission-scale energy storage systems, defined as projects capable of storing at least 5 megawatts of electricity and connected to the PJM transmission network. The board is required to begin with a Tranche 1 procurement round targeting at least 500 megawatts

Former Hamas hostage criticizes Pulitzer board for honoring writer who questioned captivity claims

Breaking Local News ReportMay 15, 20250

KFAR AZA, Israel — Emily Damari, an Israeli woman held hostage by Hamas for over 500 days, publicly condemned the Pulitzer Prize Board on social media last week for awarding a prize to Mosab Abu Toha, a Palestinian poet and writer who has previously questioned accounts of Israeli hostages taken on October 7. In a post published Wednesday on X (formerly Twitter), Damari, who was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, described her experience and sharply criticized Abu Toha for comments he made on social media about her and other hostages. “On the morning of October 7, I

New Jersey Rocker Bruce Springsteen Kicks Off Tour by Slamming Trump

Breaking Local News ReportMay 14, 20250

NEWARK, N.J. — Aging New Jersey rocker Bruce Springsteen kicked off his European tour with a pointed denunciation of President Donald Trump, using the opening minutes of his performance to issue a political statement before launching into his set with the E Street Band. The rocker traveled abroad to criticize the U.S. government under Trump. “The Mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock and roll in dangerous times,” Springsteen said to the crowd. “In my home, the America I love, the America I’ve written about, that has been