SOMERDALE, NJ — Severe weather swept through the Somerdale Road area early Friday, bringing high winds and heavy rain that knocked down multiple trees and blocked key roads in local…
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — A trio of conservative Republicans is mounting a primary challenge against Monmouth County’s GOP incumbents, launching a campaign aimed at shaking up what they describe as…
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Republican U.S. Senate candidate for governor Mario Kranjac has secured the coveted top line on the Monmouth County GOP primary ballot, edging out high-profile contenders in…
COLTS NECK, N.J. — Colts Neck Republican Township Committee candidate John Tobia is reportedly seeking employment beyond Monmouth County, with sources in Ocean County claiming he recently applied for the…
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Toms River Township announced the return of Camp Discovery, a summer day program designed for children with developmental disabilities, set to run from June 30 through…
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin on Thursday joined a 19-state coalition in suing the Trump administration over a new executive order that imposes sweeping voting…
TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey State Senator Carmen Amato (R-9) is urging the state to return an $85 million sales tax windfall to residents, following revelations at a recent budget…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY — Police have arrested a 51-year-old man in connection with a hit-and-run that left a 9-year-old girl critically injured in Newark earlier this week, city officials announced…
Englewood Cliffs, NJ – In a stunning setback for conservative radio host Bill Spadea’s gubernatorial campaign, a New Jersey judge has rejected his attempt to remove rival Mario Kranjac from…
WOODBRIDGE, NJ – Amazon Fresh, the e-commerce giant’s innovative grocery service, is making significant strides in expanding its physical presence across New Jersey, bringing a blend of convenience, technology, and…
NORTH WILDWOOD, N.J. — Police responded to a reported bomb threat at Wildwood Catholic Academy after a student allegedly made a troubling statement about bringing an explosive device to school,…
LEONARDO, N.J. — The Middletown Township Public School District has announced it will not move forward with previously considered school closures for the 2025–2026 academic year, following a revised proposal…
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A scheduled fundraiser at the Clarion Hotel has sparked political infighting in Toms River, as local resident Paul C. Williams issued a blistering public statement accusing…
TOMS RIVER, NJ – In a bold new docuseries from Blaze TV, actor and candidate for New Jersey governor Joseph Rudy Rullo steps into the spotlight to portray Dr. Anthony…
GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J. — Three suspects were arrested early Wednesday after officers interrupted a burglary in progress at Big Daddy’s Seafood, where the group was caught attempting to steal a…
TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy took to X this week to praise Senator Cory Booker for what he called a “historic” 24-hour-plus speech on the Senate floor,…
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A large-scale law enforcement training exercise will take place Thursday in Cape May County, prompting a significant police presence near the Cape May County Park &…
TRENTON, NJ – According to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, it’s his money and he’s going to tell you how it’s going to spent. Unfortunately, overspending by the governor has…
NEWARK, N.J. — Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a Newark man accused of hitting a 9-year-old pedestrian with his vehicle and fleeing the scene early Tuesday morning, according…
JACKSON, N.J. — A neighborhood staple for more than four decades, Minit Stop Deli Market & Meats was recognized by the Jackson Township Council as February’s Small Business of the…
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Mario Kranjac will be on the June primary election ballot, and today, he’s blaming Bill Spadea for a bogus court challenge of his petitions. Mario M.…
TRENTON, N.J. — While Democrats clamor in D.C. for voting rights, in New Jersey, they are disenfranchising voters in order to protect their grip on state and local politics. Democratic…
Governor Signs Legislation to Combat Retail Crime in New Jersey
**Trenton, NJ** – Governor Phil Murphy has enacted bipartisan legislation spearheaded by Senator Holly Schepisi to tackle the growing issue of organized retail crime. The new law targets the escalating threat by enhancing penalties for retail theft and improving law enforcement’s capacity to manage these offenses effectively.
Senator Schepisi highlighted the financial impact of organized retail crime, noting significant costs to businesses and increased consumer prices. She emphasized the safety risks employees face from organized theft groups, stating the new legislation aims to deter criminal organizations and enhance protections for both retailers and consumers.
The legislation, identified as Bill S-3587, introduces several changes to New Jersey’s legal framework regarding organized retail crime. These include regulations concerning the online sale of stolen goods, gift card fraud, and assaults on retail workers, along with additional provisions for prosecutors to aggregate shoplifting violations to determine the severity of offenses.
A notable aspect of the bill is its focus on gift card fraud, which has ties to organized crime in China and fentanyl production. It proposes stronger requirements for packaging and consumer notifications to address these issues. The legislation emphasizes community safety, ensuring retail employees and shoppers are protected from harm and tampering threats.
Governor Murphy Signs Deepfake Legislation into Law
**Trenton, NJ** – Governor Phil Murphy has enacted a new law to address the issue of unlawfully created or distributed deepfakes. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40), introduces penalties for those who produce or circulate deepfake media for unlawful purposes.
Senator Corrado emphasized the severe impact of sharing deepfakes on victims, likening it to the unauthorized distribution of real media. She highlighted concerns over deepfakes created using artificial intelligence, especially in the realm of pornography, and stressed the need for transparency and accountability in digital media.
The law categorizes creating or sharing illegal deepfake media as a third-degree crime. Convictions can lead to three to five years of imprisonment, fines up to $15,000, or both. Courts may also impose fines up to $30,000. Besides criminal penalties, individuals portrayed in unlawful deepfake media can pursue civil liability against creators or distributors.
The full text of the legislative measures S-2544/A-3540 can be accessed online for more detailed information.
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick is asking county officials to cease and desist the transportation of homeless people from all of the state of New Jersey each…