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TWO STREET STOMPERS/BROOKLAWN NJ ...This year's theme GOLDRUSH BROOKLAWN'S TWO STREET STOMPERS CHAMPS! (inc. videos) | cnbnews.net (cnbnews)The Two Street Stompers New Years Brigade, based in Brooklawn, New Jersey took FIRST PLACE in the Comic Brigade Division of the 2012 Mummers Parade held in Philadelphia on New Year's Day. Their theme this year "Wenchtoberfe... Continue reading "BROOKLAWN'S TWO STREET STOMPERS CHAMPS! (inc. videos) | cnbnews.net " » Related articles Mummers hit by fire ready for parade in Philly BROOKLAWN'S TWO STREET STOMPERS CHAMPS! (inc. videos) | cnbnews.net It's Time Again For Philadelphia's Grandest Tradition: The Mummers' Parade! CNBNEWS January 2012 Cheers and Jeers Aqua String Band of Philadelphia Mummer's Fame Prepares for 90th Parade Read more →

source press release The minimum wage will increase in 10 states on January 1, 2013, providing a modest income boost to nearly 1 million low-wage workers in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Rhode Island’s minimum wage will rise as a result of a law signed by Gov. Lincoln Chafee in June; the remaining nine states will raise their minimum wages in accordance with state laws requiring automatic annual adjustments to keep pace with the rising cost of living. New Jersey is not on the list due to legislative delays but it can follow closely behind if the governor signs A2162, which was sent to him for approval on December 3. If that bill is signed, 307,000 New Jersey workers would receive an immediate bump in wages on March 1; 230,000 other workers would see indirect wage increases; and all these hard-working New Jerseyans... Read more →

By JONNY BONNER (CN) - Kmart is not liable for failing to provide its cashiers in central California with "suitable" seats, a federal judge ruled after a one-week bench trial. Lisa Garvey sued the store's owner, Sears Holding Management, in April 2011, and the case later morphed into a federal class action against Kmart. Garvey alleged the big-box store violated California's wage order since Labor Code Section 1198 and Section 14(A) of Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Order 7-2001 provide that: "All working employees shall be provided with suitable seats when the nature of the work reasonably permits the use of seats." A federal judge refused to order summary judgment against Kmart in April 2012, concluding that the wage order did not require employees to affirmatively request a seat. The decision also found that the wage order did apply to Kmart cashiers, and that there was a genuine issue as to... Read more →

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AFP) December 31, 2012 2:58:29 PM EST Elsa/Getty Images/AFP/File Head coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 30, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Reid was among the casualties as under-achieving NFL teams sent coaches packing on the "Black Monday" following the end of the regular season. Andy Reid, Philadelphia's coach of 14 years, was among the casualties as a welter of under-achieving NFL teams axed coaches on "Black Monday" following the end of the regular season. Reid is the winningest coach in Eagles club history. Since he arrived in 1999 the team has posted a regular-season record of 130-93-1, reached the playoffs nine times, played in five NFC championship games and lost in the Super Bowl after the 2004 season. But reports were surfacing Sunday night that Reid was on... Read more →

St. Mary Church BERNOSKY Florence A. On December 29, 2012. Age 72. (nee Wachter) Of Magnolia. Loving wife of 48 years to Edward L. Bernosky, Jr. Loving mother of Mark J. Bernosky and Edward L. Bernosky, III. Cherished grandmother of Mark J. Jr., Emma, Gabriel, Alexander and Malcolm and great-grandmother of Mark J. III. Dear sister of Frances Witz. Predeceased by her loving parents Aloysius J. Wachter and Lillian (nee Powers), her brothers Joseph, John, James, Al, Maurice and Eugene Wachter and her sisters Mary and Theresa Wachter and Joan Brecht. Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Friday morning from 10 to 11 AM at St. Mary’s R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM in the church. Interment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to St. Jude Tribute Program:... Read more →

Harry John Neher (DOB 1/19/80), of 51 South Broad St., Woodbury NJ was charged today with the murder of Sabrina R. Bullock (DOB 11/28/71) of Delaware St., Woodbury, whose body was found about 3 a.m. today in a clothing collection bin off Russell St. behind the apartment building where the accused lived. Neher, who is unemployed, is charged with first degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, third-degree hindering his own apprehension or prosecution, fourth-degree tampering with evidence and fourth-degree certain persons prohibited from possessing a weapon. He is being held in the Gloucester County Jail in Woodbury in default of $1 million bail, set by Superior Court Judge David Krell. Ms. Bullock, who lived with her juvenile daughter, was last seen alive on Saturday (12/29) and was reported missing by her family on Sunday. A Woodbury police officer was conducting a missing person search when... Read more →

source SOUTH PHILLY REVIEW click image to enlarge Related articles Mummers asked to keep drag queen brigade out of New Year's parade Ringing in the New Year at the 2013 Philadelphia Mummers Parade | cnbnews Our Guide To The 113th Annual Mummers Parade, New Year's Day 2013: Where To Watch, What To Expect, New Additions This Year And More The Mummers Give A Sneak Peek To Their New Year's Day Performances Read more →

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP NJ-The Gloucester Township Police family celebrated the release of Sgt. Jim Garber from Cooper University Hospital on Sunday December 30, 2012. Sgt. Garber was welcomed by the GTPD family, Boy Scout Troop 811, the Warrior Watch organization, the local Gloucester Township Fire Departments and EMS, and numerous others. Welcome Home Sgt. Jim Garber! source press release The Video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_LZXg-zas4 Read more →

Main Content DECEMBER 29, 2012 TRENTON, N.J. -- The holiday season can create its own stress. This stress can be especially trying for those recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Free help is available just a phone call away for New Jersey survivors who feel overwhelmed during the holidays. The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline at 877-294-4357 or TTY 877-294-4356 is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Hours for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All calls are free and confidential. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also supports a Disaster Mental Health Helpline run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration where counselors are available 24 hours a day including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The number is 800-985-5990. Rest, exercise and healthy eating help the body deal with stress. But disaster-induced mental distress may include:... Read more →

The body of a 41 year-old Woodbury NJ woman, believed to be a homicide victim, was found about 3 a.m. today (12/31) by a Woodbury police officer in a storage shed off Russell St. behind an apartment building at 51 South Broad St., Woodbury. The woman, Sabrina Bullock, was last seen alive on Saturday (12/29) and was reported missing by her family on Sunday. A Woodbury police officer was conducting a missing peson search for her when her body was discovered. The condition of the body has caused investigators for the Woodbury Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office to believe that Ms. Bullock was murdered. However, an autopsy has not yet been conducted . On December 17 the body of Ramona Johnson, age 54 of the Woodbury Court Apartments was found. She was allegedly murdered by Richard Santiago, of Camden, who was arrested on December 21. There have... Read more →

On Friday, December 28 Pepsi announced that 100 fans would be taking the stage with Grammy Award-winning singer Beyonce, as she performs at the Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show on February 3 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The contest launched on Saturday, December 29 and Pepsi didn’t miss a beat, taking over Times Square with digital billboards calling on fans to submit their photos. Fans who visit www.pepsi.com/halftime will be given a series of poses to photograph, including head bopping, feet tapping, and yes, even hips shaking. Hundreds of photos uploaded at www.Pepsi.com/halftime with the hashtag #PepsiHalftime will be used to introduce the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show and to welcome Beyonce to the world’s biggest stage. The show will air on CBS on February 3, 2013. Pepsi and Beyonce invite fans to help kick-off the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show. Fans are encouraged to submit... Read more →

Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie today signed Executive Order 123, ordering all State buildings to fly flags at half-staff on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 to recognize the achievements and honor the memory of United States Army General H. Norman Schwarzkopf following his passing on Thursday, December 27. Born in Trenton and raised in Lawrenceville, General Schwarzkopf’s service to our nation included two tours of duty in Vietnam, during which General Schwarzkopf earned three Silver Stars for valor, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and three Distinguished Service Medals. General Schwarzkopf also commanded the international coalition forces led by the United States during Operation Desert Storm. “Throughout his life of dedicated and exemplary service, General Schwarzkopf enriched the lives of people throughout New Jersey, the United States of America and the world,” said Governor Christie. “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of General Schwarzkopf and extend... Read more →

WASHINGTON (AFP) December 31, 2012 1:55:53 AM EST Rob Carr/Getty Images/AFP Quarterback Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins celebrates after the Redskins defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-18 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, on December 30, 2012. With quarterback Robert Griffin III and fellow rookie Alfred Morris leading the way, the Washington Redskins beat Dallas 28-18 to capture the last NFL playoff berth. In the final game of the regular season, Morris rushed for a career-best 200 yards and three touchdowns to help the Redskins claim theNFC East division crown in a must-win game against their bitter division rivals. Sunday's victory was Washington's seventh straight, and their post-season berth was the reward for a remarkable turnaround since they opened the season with just three victories in their first nine games. Morris finished the regular season with 1,613 rushing yards, surpassing the Redskins' single-season record of 1,516 set by Clinton Portis.... Read more →

DOD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Markie T. Sims, 20, of Citra, Fla., died Dec. 29 in Panjwal, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 38th Engineer Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, under control of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Related articles Fallen But Not Forgotten - Pfc. Markie T. Sims, 20, of Citra, Fla., died Dec. 29 in Panjwal, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. American Hero: Staff Sgt. Rayvon Battle Jr., 25, of Rocky Mount, N.C. | cnbnews American Hero: Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams, 25, of New Carlisle, Ohio American Heroes: PFC Brandon Goodine, Cpl. Anthony Servin, Master Chief Petty Officer Richard... Read more →

Source: Loyola University Health System Drinking and driving is a much-publicized, dangerous combination, but is walking after drinking any safer? "No, alcohol impairs your physical ability, period," says trauma surgeon Dr. Thomas Esposito at Loyola University Health System in Maywood, Ill. "Every movement ranging from driving a car to simply walking to the bathroom is compromised," Esposito said. "Alcohol impairs your judgment, reflexes and coordination. Alcohol is nothing more than a socially acceptable, over-the-counter stimulant/depressant and, especially during the holidays, alcohol is frequently abused." A trauma surgeon for more than 25 years, Esposito has witnessed the tragic aftermath of drunken walking in his own work many times. "From July 2009 to June 2010, 105 people were treated at Loyola after being struck by cars. Fifty-five had their blood alcohol content checked. Of those, 16 individuals, or 29 percent, were found to have had some level of alcohol in their system,”... Read more →

December 28, 2012 HARRISBURG - Agents from the Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Section today filed criminal charges against a Wayne County man accused of illegally burning and burying waste in Wayne County. Attorney General Linda Kelly identified the defendant as Joseph Bunnell, 50, 257 Tryon St., Honesdale. Bunnell is the owner of Bunnell Waste Removal Inc., 267 Tryon St., Honesdale Borough. According to the criminal complaint, from January 2009 through February 2012, Bunnell allegedly obtained thousands of dollars from customers by misrepresenting that their waste was properly disposed of at a landfill. Kelly said that Bunnell allegedly provided customers with bogus landfill weigh tickets that falsely indicated their buried and burned buried waste was legally disposed of at the landfill. The charges state that instead of properly disposing of the waste Bunnell buried and burned it at his property in Honesdale Borough or at a property in Buckingham Township. Kelly... Read more →

Marine Corps Aviation By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sarah Wolff Camp Pendleton Public Affairs MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Dec. 28, 2012 - "Putt! Putt! Putt! Putt!" Former Marine Pvt. Frank Baron Jr. stands with Marines assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 39 during a tour of the air station at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 11, 2012. Baron served as an active duty Marine from 1933 to 1937. Courtesy photo (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution imageavailable. Imitating the sound of a Curtiss Condor's engines failing, Frank Baron Jr. mimics the tumbling motions of the aircraft falling from the sky. His hands rush to his shoulders as if grabbing for parachute straps. "I thought, 'This is it,' and then all of a sudden, brrrr!" he said, describing the sound of the engines returning to life as he sinks into the back of the couch, grinning, but sighing with relief. "That's the... Read more →

By Anne Forline Gloucester City News During its recent meeting, the Bellmawr Board of Education (BOE) passed a resolution authorizing a special election for a School Bond Referendum concerning the district’s aging roofs. The proposed $3.1 million bond had been voted down by 38 votes earlier this month, and will be brought again before Bellmawr voters in another election on March 12, 2013. In other business, the Board accepted the results of the November 6 School Board Election. Newly elected board members, Michael Eckmeyer and Chris Concannon, will be sworn in on January 3. All other business on the board’s agenda was approved. These included: Upcoming field trips for Bellmawr Park’s Kindergarten classes to visit Storybook Land; for the first grade classes at E.M. Burke and Bellmawr Park Schools to visit the Please Touch Museum; and for Mr. Rizzo’s eighth grade class in Bell Oaks to visit Citizens Bank Park.... Read more →

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AFP) December 31, 2012, 12:18:49 AM EST Adrian Peterson missed out on a milestone but Minnesota's superstar running back helped the Vikings to a dramatic 37-34 victory overGreen Bay and into an NFL playoff berth. Peterson went into the contest on the last day of the regular season needing 208 yards to break Eric Dickerson's NFL record for most rushing yards in a season. Playing precisely one year after surgery to repair a torn knee ligament, Peterson carried the ball 34 times for 199 yards and two touchdowns. He finished his 2012 campaign with 2,097 rushing yards. While he couldn't quite reach the record of 2,105 yards established by Dickerson in 1984, he became only the seventh player in league history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark in a season. Peterson's final contribution on Sunday was a 26-yard burst to the Green Bay 11-yard line with three seconds remaining.... Read more →

Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines says her doctors discovered the clot during a follow-up exam Sunday. Reines says Clinton is being treated with anti-coagulants. She was admitted to New York-Presbyterian Hospital so doctors can monitor the medication over the next 48 hours. Reines says doctors will continue to assess Clinton's condition, "including other issues associated with her concussion." Clinton, 65, fell and suffered a concussion while at home alone in mid-December as she recovered from a stomach virus that left her severely dehydrated. The concussion was diagnosed Dec. 13 and Clinton was forced to cancel a trip to North Africa and the Middle East that had been planned for the next week. Clinton was also forced to cancel Dec. 20 testimony before Congress about a scathing report on the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans. The report... Read more →

photo/caption credit Anne Forline/Gloucester City News GLOUCESTER CITY NJ-Student representatives from all of Gloucester City's Schools are all smiles after sharing updates from their respective schools with the Board of Education. All of the students are doing extremely well this year, according to their principals. However, Angel Rodriguez has recently been selected as one of Widener University's "High School Leadership Award" recipients. Angel will be awarded a $20,000 scholarship, over four years, if he chooses to attend Widener in recognition for his standing up for what is right and making a difference in a significant way. Pictured from left are: Angel Rodriguez (GCHS), Alexis Alago (Highland Park Program for Success), Kirstyn Herman (MEC) and William Horton (CSS). Related articles Gloucester Catholic Family a Key Influence to Kupchas, Kellys Gloucester Catholic Friends and Alumni to Be Honored on Nov. 18 | cnbnews CNBNEWS: Students from Area Named to Widener University Dean's... Read more →

A criminal indictment against a State Police detective who seriously injured a Philadelphia man in a pre-dawn car crash in Camden County might be dismissed because troopers who responded to the incident never tested him for alcohol. The trooper, Detective Sgt. William Billingham, was off duty in March 2009 when his unmarked car slammed into the rear of a sport utility vehicle driven by Clayton Tanksley on Interstate 295, rolling it onto its roof and leaving the man hanging upside down from his seat belt as he awaited help. The troopers who responded said in their accident report that Billingham "apparently fell asleep." Last March, Billingham was charged with reckless driving in Lawnside Borough Municipal Court and suspended without pay. He was indicted four months later for assault by auto, and has pleaded not guilty. So far, the judge overseeing the case has not allowed evidence of his intoxication to... Read more →

By Leigh Anne Hubbs Gloucester City News The Mount Ephraim Fire Department sponsored a spectacular 18th annual Christmas Parade of Lights on December 8. People lined the parade route, which ran along Kings Highway and then to the firehouse via Davis Avenue and included decorated emergency vehicles as well as other floats, and a Toys for Tots collection. December 23, Santa Claus will hand out candy canes around town during the Santa Claus Candy Cane Parade. In other business, the Public Works Department announced that trash pick-up will not be affected by the holidays, and will be collected as previously scheduled. Mayor Joseph Wolk said he is looking to the Taco Bell project, which should be approved by the Planning Board in the near future and will replace Jersey Girls (formerly Fantasy Showbar), located at 710 N. Black Horse Pike. Long-time Borough employee Mickey Hartman will retire at the end... Read more →

By CAMERON LANGFORD HOUSTON (CN) - The Houston public school system demoted a counselor for truthfully reporting that her high school's administration inflated its graduation rate so it could get an "Acceptable" rating from Texas, the counselor claims in court. Sabrina Norman sued the Houston Independent School District in Harris County Court. She claims that the high school administration was so desperate to graduate students that it gave them 40 hours of credit for attending a 4-hour Baptist Church service. Norman was hired to work at Sam Houston High School in June 2008, and as the school counselor it was her job to schedule students' classes. While doing so, she says, she became concerned by excessive absences on students' records. "On those documents, the students did not earn credits for the listed courses because the students had excessive absences," the complaint states. Norman says students need 24 credits to graduate.... Read more →

TRENTON – The Division of Highway Traffic Safety and Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control today urged those who plan to drink on New Year’s Eve to exercise caution during their celebrations. “We want drivers, passengers, pedestrians and revelers alike to be safe before, during and after the revelry,” said Division of Highway Traffic Safety Acting Director Gary Poedubicky. “Plan to go out with a designated driver or take mass transit or a taxi. If you can, spend the night, rather than getting behind the wheel. If you drink and plan to walk home, have a friend or family member escort you home.” Poedubicky and Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Director Michael Halfacre both noted the importance of having a designated driver if you drink. Both divisions have partnered with the HERO Campaign, which has become a national model for preventing drunk driving by encouraging individuals to become designated drivers. “Unfortunately,... Read more →

Latosha Mabry Katrina Love Christopher Canty Latasha Buie August Pauline Terrance Joyner Tyisha Nixon Michael Bullins Salahudin McDowell Jesse Warren HARRISBURG - Agents from the Attorney General's Organized Crime Section have arrested 10 Philadelphia residents accused of participating in an organization allegedly responsible for producing and cashing approximately $40,000 worth of counterfeit business checks. Attorney General Linda Kelly said the checking account details for at least four businesses were allegedly copied and stolen by a former teller at a Sovereign Bank branch located in Dresher, Montgomery County, identified as Latosha Mabry, 25, of 2119 Anchor St., Philadelphia. According to the criminal complaint, Mabry provided the stolen information to an individual known only by the nickname, "Beans," who allegedly operated a counterfeit check scheme. Other participants in the scheme allegedly opened personal bank accounts, deposited counterfeit checks into those accounts and then used ATM machines to withdraw cash, or allowed their... Read more →

By Air Force Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney 455th Air Expeditionary Wing BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Dec. 27, 2012 - Up until a few days ago, Air Force Staff Sgt. Derek Allen hadn't seen his brother, Army Cpl. Greg Allen, in more than three years. However, a twist of fate brought them together here for the Christmas holidays. Air Force Staff Sgt. Derek Allen, right, and his brother, Army Cpl. Greg Allen, compare unit patches at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 23, 2012. The brothers spent the holidays together for the first time since 2009 after the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft Derek maintains provided vital combat support for Greg and his fellow soldiers. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jun Kim (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution imageavailable. "Both of us being here in [Afghanistan] is the closest we have ever been to each other since Thanksgiving 2009," said Derek, a 455th Expeditionary... Read more →

By Anne Forline Gloucester City News During the recent Gloucester City Board of Education (BOE) meeting representatives from Nutri-Serve, Jennifer Dina and Loretta Ravelli, gave a presentation regarding the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. This Act has been long touted by First Lady Michelle Obama as part of her “Let’s Move” campaign as a way of urging children to make healthier food choices. New mandates from the USDA became effective on July 1 that required school cafeterias to initiate sweeping menu changes by encouraging healthy food choices and setting good nutritional priorities. These changes called for school cafeterias to move away from serving processed foods and instead offer a lower fat menu with increased daily offerings of local fresh produce. There was a lengthy discussion about “offer versus serve,” which means the cafeteria can merely “offer” the recommended healthy food choices to students. The new USDA mandates require that... Read more →

12/27/12 The FBI worked thousands of investigations during 2012, involving everything from extremists bent on terror to cyber thieves, financial fraudsters, and child predators. As the year comes to a close, we take our annual look back at some of the Bureau’s most significant cases. Part 1 focuses on our top investigative priority—protecting the nation from terrorist attack. Working with local, state, federal, and international partners, we thwarted a number of potential attacks on U.S. citizens at home and abroad. Here are some of the top terror cases of 2012, in reverse chronological order: Alabama men arrested on terrorism charges: Two U.S. citizens living in Alabama were arrested in December and charged with planning to travel overseas to wage violent jihad. The pair met online and later confided their plans to an individual who—unbeknownst to them—was a confidential source working for the FBI. Details Plot to destroy Ohio bridge: Four... Read more →

By Leigh Anne Hubbs Gloucester City News This month’s Mount Ephraim School Board meeting was the last for President Dominick Cipolone and Board member Michael Gaglianone, who did not seek reelection last month. They will be replaced by newcomers Catherine Villardo and Deena Noonan. It was also the last meeting for Interim Superintendent Dr. Diane DeGiacomo, who filled in for former Superintendent Joseph Rafferty after he left the district last summer for a position with the Gloucester City School District. Dr. DeGiacomo will be missed, but her services are no longer needed as the district has signed a three and one-half year contract with Leslie Koller to act as the permanent Superintendent/Principal. New Board member Robbin Malinowski began her term this month after replacing long-time member James Pacetti, who had resigned in October due to schedule conflicts with his place of employment. At November’s meeting Business Administrator Melissa Raywood swore-in... Read more →

Along with the Chicago paper, six other Tribune-owned papers will also be dropping the AP. Those papers are the Baltimore Sun; the Orlando Sentinel; the South Florida Sun-Sentinel; the Hartford Courant; the Morning Call of Allentown, Pennsylvania; and the Daily Press of Newport News, Virginia. Reports from Tribune insiders were confirmed Sunday by Paul Colford, director of media relations for AP. “We’re disappointed by this development but recognize this is a time of transition for these seven Tribune newspapers,” Colford said. “We hope they’ll return to AP as their circumstances change. AP continues to diversify its business to enhance the value of our newsgathering for our 1,400 member newspapers and other news organizations worldwide. The Los Angeles Times has indicated that it plans to stay with AP. The Times has been a great partner in innovation and developing new AP services for many years.” This news is unsurprising as the... Read more →

NEWARK, NJ—Two members of an alleged drug trafficking ring based in Elizabeth, New Jersey and operating throughout the Northeast and Puerto Rico made their initial court appearances today, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced. Nelson Yordan, a/k/a Carlos, 27, of Waterbury, Connecticut, and Michael Rosario, 28, of Hagerstown, Maryland, were both charged by complaint with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. They made their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk in Newark federal court. Yordan and Rosario are among 15 people arrested over the past three weeks by FBI agents and local police in connection with a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing cocaine and heroin in the Elizabeth, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Hartford, Connecticut; and Hagersville, Maryland areas. Also charged by complaint in connection with the alleged drug operation are: Roberto Rentas Negron, a/k/a El Duro; Kelmit Velazquez; Antonio Vazquez, a/k/a Panta; Fernando Duarte Castro; Julio Martinez... Read more →

PR Newswire Association LLC. December 27, 2012, 10:32:00 AM EST NEW YORK, Dec. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has joined forces with Sigma Gamma Rho, one of the nation's largest African American sororities, to help build awareness of career possibilities in science, technology, and engineering among girls and parents in the African American community. Working with local Girl Scout councils around the country, Sigma Gamma Rho's alumnae chapters have made GSUSA's Imagine Engineering initiative, funded by the National Science Foundation, a focus of the sorority's annual National Youth Symposium. "Girl Scouting and Sigma Gamma Rho have the same goal: to build the nation's future leaders by helping girls dream big and accomplish much today," said GSUSA Chief Executive Officer Anna Maria Chavez. "We are delighted to be part of this partnership to help girls do great things in critical fields such as science, technology, engineering... Read more →

Source: American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Newswise — MINNEAPOLIS – A new way to use MRI scans may help determine whether dementia is Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, according to new research published in the December 26, 2012, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) often have similar symptoms, even though the underlying disease process is much different. “Diagnosis can be challenging,” said study author Corey McMillan, PhD, of the Perelman School of Medicine and Frontotemporal Degeneration Center at the University of Pennsylvania and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. “If the clinical symptoms and routine brain MR are equal, an expensive positron emission tomography (PET) scan might be needed. Or, a lumbar puncture, which involves inserting a needle into the spine, would be needed to help make the diagnosis. Analysis of the... Read more →

By Anne Forline Gloucester City News In accordance with New Jersey code N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.3, all pre-school students between the ages of two and 59 months are required to have a flu vaccination between September 1 and December 31, 2012. The Gloucester City School District is urging parents to comply with the state law and have their children vaccinated against the flu by December 31 – and also provide written proof of the vaccination to the school nurse. The district wants parents to understand that if a child does not receive the flu vaccination, the student will not be able to return to school after the winter break on January 2, 2013. Flu vaccinations can be administered at a doctor’s office and many clinics, including: The Minute Clinic at CVS on the Black Horse Pike in Runnemede; the Take Care Clinics at Walgreens in Deptford and Westmont; the Camden Health Clinic,... Read more →

Dear Friends, As 2012 comes to an end, I am happy to share with you the 9/11 Memorial's year end update. Thanks to your continued generosity and support, more than six million people have visited the Memorial since opening in September 2011. They have come from all 50 states and more than 175 nations, reflecting the worldwide need to honor and remember those we lost on 9/11 at the sacred ground of the World Trade Center site. In this region, we also saw tremendous heartbreak in 2012, from the devastation of superstorm Sandy to the shootings in Newtown, CT and the recent attack on first responders in Webster, NY. In the wake of these terrible losses, when I look out across the Memorial pools, I am reminded that when circumstances require, we come together to care for one another with limitless compassion. 2013 will be a busy year for the... Read more →

George Ross, President of Central Michigan University and head football coach Dan Enos accept the 2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl trophy from David Scrivino, CEO of Little Caesars Enterprizes. Photo by Lars Hjelmroth, Detroit Photo Company By Raymond Rolak DETROIT-- Central Michigan won their third-ever bowl game as the Chippewas nipped Western Kentucky 24-21 in the 16th edition of the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Ford Field. The pre-game snowstorm held the crowd down but those that came were loud and passionate. Over 23,000 strong saw a great game that came down to the wire. CMU stopped the Hilltoppers on fourth-and-2 in the final minute when a field goal might have sent the game to overtime. On fourth down from the 19-yard line with 51 seconds left, Kawaun Jakes threw incomplete intended for Jack Doyle. Lance Guidry, coaching Western Kentucky (7-6) on an interim basis, went for the victory after... Read more →

Most of the new healthcare taxes will fall on high income earners, but the middle class and medical device industry will also take a hit. Directly impacting taxpayers is the Medicare tax hike on high income wage earners, higher taxes on investment income, lower contributions to flexible spending accounts and a higher threshold for deducting medical expenses from income tax. The Affordable Health Care Act is funded through the Medicare taxes of high income earners. These taxes hit individuals earning over $200,000, and joint filers earning more than $250,000. Medicare taxes will go up by .9% for these folks and they will be hit with an additional 3.8% on unearned income. Also hit will be folks who earn a greater share of their income from investments. Even if their regular income isn't high enough for the additional taxes, their investment income would be hit with an additional 4% tax. The... Read more →

The Gloucester Township Police Department wants to wish everyone a Happy and Safe New Year. The following tips are provided to help you be safe on New Year’s Eve. Bring only what you need in your handbag or wallet, such as your driver’s license, money and one credit card. Don’t take your department store credit cards, gift cards or any other valuables that you might normally carry with you. While it’s fun to share where you are on social media sites, beware of doing so, as you are publicly alerting others that you are not at home. If you plan on drinking, don’t drive! Protect yourself and others by having a designated driver. Auto accidents due to alcohol consumption are highest between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., so avoid being on the road at those times. Use public transportation or take a cab both to and from the celebration so... Read more →

NEWARK, NJ—Two members of an alleged drug trafficking ring based in Elizabeth, New Jersey and operating throughout the Northeast and Puerto Rico made their initial court appearances today, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced. Nelson Yordan, a/k/a Carlos, 27, of Waterbury, Connecticut, and Michael Rosario, 28, of Hagerstown, Maryland, were both charged by complaint with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. They made their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk in Newark federal court. Yordan and Rosario are among 15 people arrested over the past three weeks by FBI agents and local police in connection with a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing cocaine and heroin in the Elizabeth, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Hartford, Connecticut; and Hagersville, Maryland areas. Also charged by complaint in connection with the alleged drug operation are: Roberto Rentas Negron, a/k/a El Duro; Kelmit Velazquez; Antonio Vazquez, a/k/a Panta; Fernando Duarte Castro; Julio Martinez... Read more →

(12/P158) TRENTON - The New Jersey State Park Service will conduct guided hikes and other special outdoors activities at 10 locations on New Year's Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin announced today. The national initiative, which involves more than 640 hikes in all 50 states, offers individuals and families an opportunity to get the New Year off on the right foot by connecting with the outdoors at a state park close to home. "This is a great way for New Jersey residents to start off the New Year and take advantage of all our State Parks have to offer," Commissioner Martin said. "Our dedicated Parks staff and volunteers are eager to share a great outdoor experience, an experience that visitors will hopefully carry on throughout the year." "We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of... Read more →

By JACK BOUBOUSHIAN CHICAGO (CN) - The Chicago Board of Education targeted teachers in black neighborhoods for layoffs in 2011, firing African-American teachers at a higher rate than white co-workers, the teacher's union claims in a class action. Chicago Teachers Union Local 1; the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, and three teachers sued the Board of Education of the City of Chicago in Federal Court. The Board of Ed fired 480 tenured teachers in June 2011, 42 percent of whom were African-American, though fewer than 29 percent of Chicago's tenured teachers then were black, according to the complaint. Chicago's 685 public schools serve more than 400,000 students, 42 percent of whom are African-American, according to the complaint. "The African American teaching force in CPS [Chicago Public Schools] as a percentage of the overall teaching population has steadily declined, from 40.6 percent in 2000 to 29.6 percent in 2010. In 2011,... Read more →

William F. Hambleton AGE: 85 • Elkton, MD William died peacefully on Friday, Dec 21, 2012 in Elkton, Md. at the age of 85. In his own words, he departed this earth longing for very little which he had not experienced. His wife and only true love, the late Helen Louise Anderson, along with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of his life. He is survived by a daughter Gail Jeral and husband Gary of Elkton Md; son Mark Hambleton and wife Lisa of Hillsborough NC; grandchildren, Shannon Noon and husband Michael of Oaklyn NJ, Jessica Magee of Phila. Pa., Shawn Jeral of New Orleans La, Rebecca and Jennifer Hambleton of Boone, NC and Christopher Hambleton, of Hillsborough NC; and great grandchildren, Ella and Lila Noon. He served proudly in the U.S. Air Force 1944-1947; graduated Temple University, BA in Business Administration, and was a Real Estate and... Read more →

173rd Special Troops Battalion distinctive unit insignia (Photo credit: Wikipedia) DOD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Enrique Mondragon, 23, of The Colony, Texas, died Dec. 24, in Baraki Barak, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when his unit was attacked by small arms fire while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany. Read more →

Is labor starting to claw back? Port operators and Eastern longshoremen agreed Friday to avoid a potentially crippling strike set for Sunday at 14 major US ports, at least for now. Negotiators refused to release details of the deal, but labor experts suggest the daring strike threat by dockworkers is indicative of a broader gambit by a besieged labor movement to claw back some power amid a strengthening US economy. The agreement over so-called “container royalties” worth up to $15,000 a year for an average longshoreman does not fully resolve the dispute, but is part of a 30-day contract negotiation extension agreed upon by the International Longshoremen’s Association and the US Maritime Alliance, which represents shipping companies and ports. “The container royalty payment issue has been agreed upon in principle by the parties, subject to achieving an overall collective bargaining agreement,” said George Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and... Read more →

(December 24, 2012)GallowayTwpNews.com has been sold to another Publisher. The website which was launched in October 2011 by Harry B. Scheeler Jr. has exposed unethical conduct by multiple officials and irregularities in regular day-to-day operations. Through Open Public Records Act requests, tips, sources and Township employees, we were able to report with such pin point accuracy and become a Watch Dog Website on Galloway Township. Over the past couple months, GallowayTwpNews has been approached by multiple individuals and one company interested in purchasing this website. With the amount of passion and work GallowayTwpNews.comhas put forth, it was a struggle to decide whether to end our open government crusade with Galloway Township. I am proud of the accomplishments this website has made with the support from many residents as well as open government advocates. Through the work of this website, I can say new policies in Galloway Township have been created... Read more →

By JACK BOUBOUSHIAN CourtHouse News CHICAGO (CN) - A woman challenged a police code of silence in Chicago cannot vacate the judgment to settle privately with the city and avoid precedent, a federal judge ruled. Anthony Abbate Jr., an off-duty Chicago police officer, brutally attacked Karolina Obrycka in 2007, while she was bartending at Jesse's Shortstop Inn. After Abbate drank heavily all night, repeatedly flexed his biceps and yelled "Chicago Police Department," Obrycka refused to serve Abbate more alcohol. Abbate then went behind the bar and began punching and kicking her, allegedly telling Obrycka that "nobody tells me what to do." Video cameras in the bar caught the entire altercation. Police who responded to Obrycka's 911 call wrote up a police report that omitted several facts, including the existence of the tape or the fact that Abbate was a cop. Obrycka said Abbate later tried to intimidate her into giving... Read more →

GLOUCESTER TWP., N.J. - Three officers were shot Friday morning inside the Gloucester Township Police Station, and the suspected shooter has been shot and killed, officials say. One male officer was shot twice, including once in the abdomen below his bullet-proof vest. He underwent surgery but is now out and reported to be in stable condition at Cooper University Hospital. Injuries to the other two officers, a man and a woman, were said to be "very minor," according to police. A suspect was under arrest in connection with a domestic violence-related incident, police said, when a violent struggle with officers ensued around 5:30 a.m. The suspect "obtained a firearm" during the struggle, police said. Officers then returned fire, killing the suspect. No details have been released about the deceased shooting suspect's identity. The Camden County Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation. WATCH LIVE ONLINE: "Good Day," 4:25 a.m.-10 a.m. FOX... Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ-On December 27th. at 12:31 a.m. an alert neighbor called 911 to report a suspicious male who was walking on Park Avenue near Orlando Avenue looking into yards. The neighbor observed the male walk up the driveway of a residence on the 300 block of Orlando Avenue and lost sight of him. Responding officers found the back door of that residence open and located the male inside in the attic. John Speich (49), a resident of the 400 block of Highland Blvd. (photo attached) was arrested and charged with Burglary and Theft. He was remanded to Camden County Jail after failing to post bail. Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ- Gloucester Catholic HS Ramblings salutes several young alums who are spreading the Dominican Tradition and Ram Pride across the nation and around the world. Sarah McLaughlin ‘05 recently moved back to the United States after having spent three years living in Lima, Peru working with autistic children. Sarah currently is a graduate student at Columbia University Teachers College in New York City where she is a candidate for a masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Courtney Cesarano ‘06 spent a year teaching English in Taichung, Taiwan and now lives in Shanghai, China. She has contracted for another year of teaching English in a school operated by the Disney Corporation. Courtney graduated cum laude from York College of Pennsylvania and caught the travel bug when she spent her junior year studying at Huron University in London. Chelsea Azzari ‘08 finds her Yankee accent amusing to the folks in... Read more →