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.
- Federal Reserve Report Shows New Jersey’s 86% Housing Price Increase Possibly Linked to Biden Era Immigration Surge
Trenton, NJ – Buying a home in New Jersey has become dramatically more expensive over the past decade, and a new study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas suggests elevated housing prices nationwide continue to outpace many underlying economic fundamentals.
The Dallas Fed’s working paper examines whether home prices remain supported by factors such as household income, rents and financing costs. While researchers stop short of predicting a housing market crash, they conclude that prices in many U.S. markets remain significantly overvalued compared with historical norms.
Those findings carry particular significance in New Jersey, where home values have surged far faster than wages and inventory has remained historically constrained.
New Jersey home prices have nearly doubled
The Garden State has experienced one of the nation’s strongest housing appreciation cycles since recovering from the 2008 financial crisis.
During most of the 2010s, New Jersey’s housing market recovered gradually. Between 2013 and 2019, home prices generally increased at an average pace of about 3% annually as the state emerged from the housing downturn.
Starter homes remained widely available in many suburban communities, and first-time buyers still had opportunities to enter the market.
That changed dramatically after 2020.
According to New Jersey housing market data, suburban home values have increased by approximately 86% since 2010, with much of that appreciation occurring after the pandemic reshaped where Americans chose to live, but more importantly, the surge of illegal migrants during the Biden administration.
Migration reshaped the market
The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered New Jersey’s housing landscape.
As remote work became commonplace, thousands of buyers left nearby urban centers—particularly New York City—seeking larger homes, more outdoor space and suburban communities within commuting distance of Manhattan and Philadelphia.
That migration collided with an already limited housing supply.
The result was intense competition, bidding wars and rapidly escalating prices across much of the state.
Communities throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Bergen County and other suburban regions experienced record appreciation as inventory struggled to keep pace with demand.
Median home prices now far exceed national average
The compounding appreciation has permanently raised the cost of homeownership across New Jersey.
The state’s median home price now stands at approximately $584,000, compared with a national median of roughly $447,000.
That gap has made New Jersey one of the least affordable housing markets in the country.
Affordability challenges extend well beyond North Jersey’s traditionally expensive communities.
Nearly 100 New Jersey municipalities now have median home prices exceeding $1 million, a dramatic increase from roughly one in ten communities only a decade ago.
For many younger families and first-time buyers, starter homes have become increasingly difficult to find.
Dallas Fed: Market remains elevated
The Dallas Fed researchers caution that elevated home prices do not necessarily signal an imminent correction.
Instead, the study concludes that today’s housing market differs significantly from the conditions preceding the 2008 financial crisis.
Mortgage underwriting standards remain considerably stronger, homeowner equity is substantially higher and speculative lending is far less common.
Those differences reduce the likelihood of widespread foreclosures even if prices moderate.
Rather than predicting a crash, the researchers suggest housing markets may gradually return closer to historical relationships through slower appreciation, stagnant prices or modest declines while incomes and rents continue catching up.
Inventory slowly improving—but not enough
New Jersey has seen modest increases in housing inventory during the past year, but inventory is limited as New Jersey’s immigrant-friendly atmosphere draws in more migrants as other states tighten their rules.
Even so, available homes remain well below levels needed to balance supply with demand. Higher mortgage rates have discouraged many existing homeowners from selling because they would have to replace mortgages carrying historically low interest rates with substantially more expensive financing.
That “lock-in effect” continues limiting inventory throughout much of the state.
The combination of scarce listings and continued buyer demand has helped keep prices elevated despite reduced affordability.
Rising ownership costs add pressure
The cost of purchasing a home extends beyond the sale price.
Prospective buyers also face:
- Higher mortgage interest rates.
- Among the nation’s highest property taxes.
- Rising homeowners insurance premiums.
- Increasing maintenance and utility costs.
Those additional expenses have made monthly housing payments significantly higher than they were just a few years ago, even in markets where home prices have stabilized.
Affordability remains the biggest challenge
While the Dallas Fed paper examines national housing valuation rather than New Jersey specifically, its findings reinforce the affordability pressures already confronting residents across the Garden State.
Housing economists generally agree that meaningful improvements in affordability would likely require some combination of:
- Increased housing inventory.
- Lower mortgage interest rates.
- Faster wage growth.
- Slower home price appreciation.
Absent those changes, many New Jersey households may continue facing barriers to homeownership even if prices stop rising as rapidly as they did during the pandemic.
For sellers, however, the market continues to favor homeowners, particularly in desirable suburban communities where inventory remains limited and buyer competition persists.
Key Points
- A Dallas Fed study finds U.S. home prices remain elevated relative to economic fundamentals, though researchers stop short of predicting a housing crash.
- New Jersey suburban home values have climbed approximately 86% since 2010, driven largely by post-2020 migration and limited housing supply.
- The state’s median home price is now about $584,000, well above the national median, while nearly 100 New Jersey communities now have median home values exceeding $1 million.
- New Jersey Bill to Ban Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Raises Electrifying Questions After Devastating Storms
Trenton, NJ – As municipalities across New Jersey continue cleaning up from powerful summer storms that brought flash flooding, damaging winds and widespread tree damage, lawmakers are considering legislation that would phase out the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers.
The bill, Senate Bill S-XXXX (bill number pending confirmation), was introduced on Jan. 13 by State Sen. Bob Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset) and referred to the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
With power outages across the state, it makes you wonder, how would you dig out of a natural disaster with electric tools if the power grid also goes down, or is in a condition that requires restrictions?
If enacted, the legislation would prohibit the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers in New Jersey, continuing a broader push toward battery-powered landscaping equipment.
Storm cleanup highlights equipment debate
The proposal comes as many New Jersey communities are dealing with the aftermath of severe thunderstorms that toppled trees, flooded roads and scattered debris across neighborhoods.
Following major storms, gas-powered leaf blowers are commonly used by homeowners, landscapers and public works crews to clear leaves, small branches, mulch and other debris from roadways, sidewalks and storm drains.
Critics of the legislation argue battery-powered alternatives may not provide the same operating time or power needed during extended cleanup efforts, particularly after widespread storm damage.
They also point to situations where power outages limit the ability to recharge battery-operated equipment.
Supporters cite environmental benefits
Supporters of the proposal have argued that gas-powered landscaping equipment contributes to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and excessive neighborhood noise.
Environmental advocates have long promoted battery-powered equipment as cleaner and quieter alternatives.
Several New Jersey municipalities already have local ordinances limiting when gas-powered leaf blowers may be used or restricting their operation during certain times of the year.
The proposed legislation would move beyond local restrictions by addressing the future sale of the equipment statewide.
Existing equipment would not necessarily disappear overnight
While details of the legislation would determine its implementation, proposals of this type generally focus on prohibiting the sale of new equipment rather than immediately banning existing gas-powered leaf blowers already owned by residents and landscaping companies.
Landscaping businesses have previously expressed concern that transitioning entire fleets to battery-powered equipment could require significant investment in new tools, charging infrastructure and replacement batteries.
Industry representatives have also raised questions about battery performance during long workdays and demanding cleanup operations.
Bill awaits committee action
The legislation has been referred to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, where lawmakers will determine whether to advance the proposal for additional consideration.
No committee hearing has yet been announced.
If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, New Jersey would join a growing number of states and municipalities adopting restrictions on gas-powered landscaping equipment as part of broader environmental initiatives.
Key Points
- Sen. Bob Smith introduced legislation that would ban the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers in New Jersey.
- The proposal comes as communities recover from severe storms that left widespread tree debris and flooding.
- Supporters cite reduced emissions and noise, while critics argue gas-powered equipment remains valuable during large-scale storm cleanup and power outages.
- Watch: Roof Collapse Reported at Ocean Township BJ’s Traps Multiple People; No Injuries
Ocean Township, NJ – Emergency responders from across Monmouth County are on the scene of a reported roof collapse at the BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township Monday afternoon as specialized rescue teams work to reach multiple people believed to be trapped.
According to early reports, approximately 50 feet of the building’s roof collapsed at the store located at the intersection of Route 35 and Deal Road.
Update 1:06 pm: Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office reports no injuries:
There were no injuries as a result of the partial roof collapse in Ocean Township this morning at BJ’s Wholesale Club. Sheriff Golden and Ocean Twp Police Chief Michael Sorrentino ask all to avoid the area since there is extreme flooding on Route 35 and more severe weather is expected today.
Flooding in ocean township today – photo by monmouth county sheriff’s office. Authorities say at least three people are believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
According to the company, emergency responders are currently on the scene of a significant incident at the BJ’s Wholesale Club located at 1904 State Route 35 in Oakhurst, NJ. Heavy flash flooding caused a portion of the building’s roof to collapse, resulting in multiple injuries and trapped victims.
USAR teams leading rescue effort
The rescue operation is being led by the Monmouth County Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, with multiple emergency agencies responding to the scene.
Update: First video of collapse from inside from a Facebook user.
Initial reports indicate crews are contending with several hazards, including heavy rainfall, debris from the collapse and a possible gas leak, complicating rescue operations.
The extent of injuries has not yet been confirmed.
Heavy storms may have contributed
The incident comes as severe thunderstorms moved across central New Jersey Monday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue multiple Flash Flood Warnings for portions of Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Authorities have not said whether the severe weather played a role in the collapse, and the cause remains under investigation.
Investigation underway
Officials have not yet released information regarding the number of people inside the store when the collapse occurred or whether additional victims may be involved.
The situation remains active, and emergency responders continue searching the damaged section of the building.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published as it becomes available.
Key Points
- A reported 50-foot roof collapse occurred Monday at BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township.
- Monmouth County Urban Search and Rescue teams are working to reach at least three people reportedly trapped beneath the debris.
- Heavy rain and a possible gas leak are complicating rescue efforts as the investigation continues.
- Pokemon Heist: New Jersey Man Scammed Out of $24,000 Card with Fake Crypto
Evesham Township police say a Philadelphia man used fraudulent cryptocurrency to purchase a rare Pokémon card worth $24,200 during a Facebook Marketplace transaction conducted inside the department’s Safe Exchange Zone.
Marlton, NJ – A Philadelphia man has been charged after authorities say he used fraudulent cryptocurrency to purchase a rare Pokémon card valued at $24,200 during a Facebook Marketplace transaction held inside the Evesham Township Police Department Safe Exchange Zone.
According to police, the victim reported in June that he sold the collectible card after arranging the sale through Facebook Marketplace. The exchange took place inside the lobby of police headquarters, where the department offers a designated Safe Exchange Zone for online marketplace transactions.
Police did not say which card was involved in the transaction.
Investigation led to Philadelphia suspect
Following what authorities described as an extensive investigation, Evesham detectives identified the suspect as Christian Elam, 26, of Philadelphia.
Police allege Elam paid the seller using cryptocurrency during the transaction, but investigators later determined the payment was fraudulent after the victim had already transferred possession of the valuable trading card.
Elam has been charged with third-degree theft by deception in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4 and second-degree computer-related theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25(c).
Investigators coordinated with Homeland Security, and authorities arrested Elam after he returned to the United States from overseas.
He is currently being held at the Burlington County Jail pending court proceedings.
Why so much money for Pokemon cards?
The most expensive Pokémon card is the 1998 Pikachu Illustrator (specifically a PSA 10 gem mint copy), famously purchased for $5.275 million. These cards are wildly expensive due to extreme rarity, age, cultural nostalgia, and historical significance, often acting as “holy grail” assets.
Here are the top most expensive Pokémon cards and why they command such staggering prices:
- 1998 Pikachu Illustrator: Awarded to winners of a children’s art contest hosted by CoroCoro Comics. Only 39 copies exist, making it the most expensive trading card ever sold publicly. [1, 2]
- 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard: The crown jewel for classic mainstream collectors. A top-graded (PSA 10) copy has commanded up to $5.75 million in private and collector markets. [1, 2, 3]
- 2004 Japanese Clash Blue Sky 1st Edition Rayquaza Gold Star: This exceptionally rare card features one of the most popular legendary Pokémon and can easily reach $750,000 to $1,500,000 in pristine graded condition.
Why Are They So Expensive?
- Scarcity: True scarcity drives the million-dollar price tags. Many of these top-tier cards were never sold in stores; they were contest prizes, limited-run promotional items, or exclusive tournament rewards.
- Condition (Grading): A card’s value relies heavily on its condition (as graded by services like PSA or BGS). Because children carelessly played with cards in the 90s, finding one in absolutely flawless “Gem Mint 10” condition is nearly impossible.
- Nostalgia & Pop Culture: Pokémon is one of the highest-grossing media franchises in history. Collectors who grew up in the late 90s and 2000s are now adults with disposable income, driving up demand for the cards they loved as kids.
- Resale Track Record: High-end Pokémon cards have established themselves as tangible, alternative investment assets, similar to fine art or rare coins, attracting high-net-worth buyers and investors.
Safe Exchange Zone provides security, not payment verification
The incident occurred inside the department’s Safe Exchange Zone, a location designed to provide a secure environment for residents buying and selling items arranged through online marketplaces.
Police emphasized that while the area is well-lit and monitored by surveillance cameras, it does not protect buyers or sellers from fraudulent forms of payment.
The department urged residents to independently verify that cryptocurrency transactions, electronic payments and other digital transfers have been successfully completed before handing over valuable property.
“While the zone provides a well-lit, video-monitored location for in-person exchanges, residents are reminded to independently verify payment before transferring property, especially when cryptocurrency, electronic payments, or high-value items are involved,” the department said in its advisory.
Police encourage residents to use exchange zone
The Safe Exchange Zone is located inside the lobby of Evesham Police Headquarters at 984 Tuckerton Road in Marlton and is available 24 hours a day. Residents may also use the department’s parking lot, which is also under video surveillance.
Police noted that department personnel do not participate in transactions, act as witnesses, provide legal advice or mediate disputes between buyers and sellers.
The department also reminded residents that transactions involving weapons, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia are prohibited at the exchange site.
Officials said the investigation serves as a reminder that even transactions conducted at a police station require buyers and sellers to verify payments before completing the exchange.
Key Points
- A Philadelphia man was charged after allegedly using fraudulent cryptocurrency to purchase a rare $24,200 Pokémon card.
- The Facebook Marketplace transaction took place inside the Evesham Township Police Department’s Safe Exchange Zone.
- Police remind residents that Safe Exchange Zones provide a secure meeting place but do not verify electronic or cryptocurrency payments.
- New Jersey Forecast: More Rain on the Way, But Cooler Temps Expected
New Jersey – After three consecutive nights of heavy rain, frequent lightning, and damaging thunderstorms, New Jersey is expected to see one more unsettled day before a stretch of warmer and mostly dry weather settles into the region.
The National Weather Service forecasts additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms Monday, with periods of heavy rain possible that could worsen flooding in areas already saturated by repeated storms.
More rain before skies begin to clear
Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout Monday, with a high near 79 degrees and an east wind of 5 to 10 mph. Rain chances are 90%, and some locations could receive another three-quarters of an inch to an inch of rainfall, with locally higher amounts in stronger storms.
Rain chances decrease Monday night but scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into early Tuesday. A few afternoon thunderstorms remain possible Tuesday before conditions gradually improve, with highs in the upper 70s.
Sunshine returns as temperatures climb
By Wednesday, skies are expected to turn mostly sunny with highs near 80 degrees, offering the first widespread break from the prolonged stretch of stormy weather.
The dry spell will be brief as temperatures climb rapidly later in the week. Highs are forecast to reach around 89 degrees Thursday and near 90 degrees Friday, with another chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms returning by the end of the workweek.
Residents are urged to remain cautious around flooded roadways and monitor local forecasts as rivers, streams, and low-lying areas may continue to experience elevated water levels following several days of heavy rainfall.
Key Points
- Showers and thunderstorms continue through Tuesday with additional heavy rainfall possible.
- Drier weather returns Wednesday before temperatures climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s later in the week.
- Another chance of thunderstorms arrives Thursday night into Friday as summer heat builds.
