NEWS, SPORTS, COMMENTARY, POLITICS for Gloucester City and the Surrounding Areas of South Jersey and Philadelphia

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May 2018

New Reasons To Visit Philadelphia's Historic District In Summer 2018

Must-Dos Include: Cherry Street Pier, The Bourse Food Hall, & Special Exhibits PHILADELPHIA PA (CNBNewsnet)--In summer 2017, 4.8 million people visited Independence National Historical Park (INHP), the crown jewel of Philadelphia’s famed Historic District. After admiring Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and INHP’s other sites, visitors fan out across the neighborhood to dine, drink and explore even more, and in 2018, they’ll have new and exciting reasons to prolong their already-packed visits to the district. Summer 2018 will bring with it the opening of The Philadelphia Bourse, a 27-tenant food hall sure to be the perfect pit stop for hungry visitors. Also in store: limited-engagement exhibitions at the National Museum of American Jewish History and the National Constitution Center, a Tall Ships festival making its only East Coast stop in Philadelphia (Sail Philadelphia) and a new and not-to-be-missed selfie spot debuting at the renovated Independence Visitor Center. Major Openings &... Read more →


Switch Up Your Summer Menu with Plant Forward Recipes from Aramark & American Heart Assn.

 Aramark collected plant forward recipes from its network of chefs, and the AHA leveraged its national network of experts, to create a plant forward summer menu everyone can enjoy. (Photo: Business Wire) PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)(CNBNewsnet)--Summer is when fresh fruits and vegetables shine. With the right ingredients, healthy, plant forward meals (those with vegetables-as-center-of-the-plate, with smaller portions of meat) can be colorful, creative, delicious, and packed with nutrients. Aramark (NYSE:ARMK), the largest U.S.-based food services provider, and the American Heart Association (AHA), the nation's largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, are working together to improve the health of Americans 20% by 2020, through healthy menu and recipe innovation and health awareness and education programs. Currently, as part of its Healthy for Life 20 By 20 commitment with the AHA, 30 percent of the main dishes Aramark serves across its dining operations in Healthcare, Higher Education and Business... Read more →


Philadelphia Council President Clarke Proposes Reforms to Reduce Housing Construction Cost

Cutting Red Tape Will Speed Production of Affordable Housing Construction (CNBNewsnet) Philadelphia, May 24, 2018 – Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) on Thursday put forth a package of three bills to reform construction regulations to encourage responsible development and reduce costs associated with housing. The construction regulatory reform legislation was crafted in collaboration with the Building Industry Association (BIA) and major project developers, with the goal of boosting responsible and affordable housing construction to ensure equitable growth in the City of Philadelphia. “As we continue to press members of the housing and construction industry to work as partners with City Council on a fair and equitable development strategy, it is only right that we do all we can to address unfair or unnecessary obstacles to growth and progress,” Council President Clarke said. “I want to thank the Building Industry Association and our partners in this effort for helping... Read more →


Don't miss the boat!  Tall Ships sail away Monday Night

PHILADELPHIA PA (May 27, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)Sail Philadelphia Presented by Bank of America is here and it's beautiful! Set a course to Penn's Landing for the final days of this Memorial Day Weekend for live music, food vendors, beer gardens, and family-friendly programming all within an anchor’s throw of these historic tall ships. Sail Away on the Delaware River Waterfront, enjoying breathtaking skyline views and picture perfect memories, or take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to board and tour vessels from around the nation and the world. As a bonus, all tickets include admission to the Waterfront Festival and the Independence Seaport Museum. Before or after visiting the ships, be sure to stop by Spruce Street Harbor Park Sustained by Univest and Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest for some amazing summer fun. And don't forget, this is a ticketed event. Gates are open to ticket holders from 11AM - 7PM rain or shine. Buy tickets... Read more →


New Jersey American Water Investing $6 Million in Lakewood

CNBNews graphics file VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Jersey American Water is preparing to invest $6 million to replace approximately 7,000 feet of aging wastewater main in its Lakewood service area. The company is replacing wastewater main that has reached the end of its useful life with new main along South Lake Drive, Kimball Road, Caranetta Drive, Sunset Road and James Street. “These wastewater collection improvements are part of New Jersey American Water's multimillion dollar program to accelerate the renewal of water and wastewater infrastructure that is reaching the end of its useful life.” "With this $6 million investment in new wastewater mains, our customers in this rapidly growing area will experience improved service reliability," stated Kevin Keane, senior director of Operations for New Jersey American Water’s Coastal Region. "These wastewater collection improvements are part of New Jersey American Water's multimillion dollar program to accelerate the renewal of water and wastewater infrastructure... Read more →


Mercury Rising: Are the Fish We Eat Toxic?

CNBNews graphics file Newswise (CNBNewsnet)(May 27, 2018)— The amount of mercury extracted from the sea by industrial fishing has grown steadily since the 1950s, potentially increasing mercury exposure among the populations of several coastal and island nations to levels that are unsafe for foetal development. These are the findings of a study carried out by researchers from Université de Montréal's Department of Biological Sciences and published this week in Scientific Reports. The study combined data on the amount of mercury fished out of oceans and seas from 1950 to 2014 and the weekly consumption of fish and seafood by the populations of 175 countries between 1961 and 2011. By comparing this data, which was published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), postdoctoral fellow Raphaël Lavoie was able to estimate these populations’ per capita intake of methylmercury (MeHg), a highly toxic form of mercury. Working under... Read more →


Help Decide What Should Replace PARCC

CNBNews graphics file TRENTON NJ (May 26, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)--The NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) is engaging students, parents, teachers and community members in a series of discussions about what the future of K-12 assessment and high school graduation testing requirements should look like in New Jersey. NJDOE is holding two types of forums throughout our state: 1. Community meetings co-hosted by the NJDOE and education organizations such as Save Our Schools NJ, the Garden State Coalition of Schools, and the New Jersey Education Association. Click to sign up for SOSNJ/NJDOE community meetings 2. Collaboratives hosted by the NJDOE Click to sign up for NJDOE collaboratives If you can't attend any of the collaboratives or community meetings, you can send written feedback to the NJDOE directly at [email protected]. PREPARATION You may find the following questions helpful in preparing for the forums or formulating your feedback to the NJDOE: 1) Which aspects of... Read more →


Tara Stokes Going to Jail for Purchasing Three Homes in New Jersey Using Bad Checks

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that a woman was sentenced to state prison today for engaging in a fraudulent scheme in which she used bad checks to purchase three homes in New Jersey. Tara Stokes, 50, of Flushing, N.Y., was sentenced today to four years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Kevin T. Smith in Gloucester County. Stokes pleaded guilty on April 9 to a charge of second-degree theft by deception. Stokes was indicted in December 2016 along with an alleged co-conspirator, Lawrence T. Humphrey, 49, of Brooklyn, N.Y., as the result of an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau. Humphrey is wanted as a fugitive and faces pending second-degree charges of conspiracy, theft by deception and passing bad checks. Deputy Attorney General William N. Conlow prosecuted Stokes and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice. Detective Richard... Read more →


Slim Prospects: The Reality for Several Challengers to Congressional Incumbents

CNBNews graphics file - NJ Spotlight--Powerful Democratic incumbent Donald Norcross has two challengers: Robert Lee Carlson, an information technology director from Collingswood and Scot John Tomaszewski, an electrical contractor from Cherry Hill. Paul E. Dilks, a radio personality from Gloucester City, is running unopposed on the Republican side. Norcross was first elected in 2014, when former U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D) resigned. Norcross is the brother of the powerful South Jersey Democratic leader George Norcross, and according to an NJ Spotlight analysis, he ranked 153rd wealthiest in the House with a net worth of ranging from $751,000 to $3.1 million. He currently serves on the House Armed Services and the Education and the Workforce committees and has been an outspoken opponent of President Trump and the Republicans in Congress. Tomaszewski ran against Norcross in two previous elections and lost both times. His platform, according to his campaign website, includes a... Read more →


NJBIA Volunteers Dig In at Isles Community Garden 

(CNBNewsnet)--Thirteen volunteers from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association recently spent two afternoons planting vegetables at one of the urban gardens created by Isles Inc., a Trenton nonprofit that builds healthy, self-reliant families and sustainable communities. The NJBIA team weeded, set up tomato cages and planted rows of seedlings at the site on Tucker Street, one of 70 urban gardens throughout the city that Isles supports to provide city residents access to low-cost nutritional foods and the opportunity to learn agricultural skills. "NJBIA's heart is in its community, and there's no better way to demonstrate this than by volunteering our time and talent to help Isles with all of the great work they do," said NJBIA President & CEO Michele N. Siekerka, Esq. Isles was founded in 1981 and runs a wide range of services that build pathways to self-reliance. In addition to the urban agricultural program, Isles works... Read more →


Gloucester County Orchid Club celebrates 55 years

Pictured: Orchid Club President Gail Green Harris and Freeholder Heather Simmons (Glassboro, NJ) The Orchid Club held their Scholarship Luncheon at Masso's on Saturday, May 12 and Freeholder Heather Simmons was in attendance and presented a Proclamation celebrating the club's 55th year anniversary. The Orchid Club is a nonprofit organization made up of women throughout southern New Jersey. They are part of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and base their service to the community on education, employment, health and welfare, housing and legislation and are dedicated to promoting leadership among women by studying and planning innovative strategies to advance civic, economic and welfare issues and is an important institution for the African American community and the entire municipality of Glassboro. They award yearly scholarships to African American high school students, donate baskets to the needy on Thanksgiving and Christmas, host annual senior citizen events, sponsor a Glassboro Little... Read more →


What International Travelers Should “Know Before You Go” this Summer

CNBNews graphics file CBP’s prepared to welcome and welcome home millions of international travelers during the busy summer travel season WASHINGTON—As the busiest three months of international travel approach, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages travelers to “Know Before You Go” when traveling to the United States or returning home this summer. CBP officers at international airports, cruise terminals and land border ports of entry around the country and at Preclearance facilities around the world are prepared for the additional traffic expected this summer. Last summer, CBP processed more than 121 million international travelers at U.S. ports of entry. “CBP invites visitors to see all that the United States has to offer this summer from the Grand Canyon to Times Square and everything in between,” said Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. “As international travel to the United States continues to grow, we’ve made it our goal to transform the entry process—adding innovative... Read more →


A Day of Family Fun At 27th Annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament

CNBNews graphics file The 27th Annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament was held May 20 at Island Beach State Park. Participants were greeted with sunny skies after a week of rainy days. The Division of Fish and Wildlife's Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs program had participants fill the beach at Area 21. World Jeep transported disabled anglers to and from the beach at Bathing Beach Area 1. Fishing was on the lighter side, but several species were caught, including three black drum this year! After the week of rain, everyone was happy to spend a sunny day fishing with family and friends at the beach. This was the second year the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament was open to high school teams with their own team category. Fifty high schoolers from six school fishing teams fished the tournament. The high school teams then gathered together after the tournament for a... Read more →


EPA Awards $75,000 Grant to Montclair State U for Innovative Stormwater Management Project

(New York, N.Y. – May 25, 2018) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., with a $75,000 People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) grant. The grant will fund a project to remove contaminants from urban stormwater at the source, which will shorten water treatment time and make the process of providing clean and safe water more efficient. “These students are applying what they have learned in the classroom to create innovative solutions to environmental challenges,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “These awards support the next generation of scientists and engineers in their commitment to environmental protection, while helping states, tribes, and local communities find solutions to their environmental issues.” "These P3 students are tackling some of our most pressing and complex environmental issues,” said Regional Administrator Pete Lopez. "The innovative research funded today will help us better protect human health and the environment."... Read more →


Homeland Security Alert: Cyber Actors Target Home and Office Routers and Networked Devices Worldwide

Systems Affected Small office/home office (SOHO) routers Networked devices Network-attached storage (NAS) devices Overview Cybersecurity researchers have identified that foreign cyber actors have compromised hundreds of thousands of home and office routers and other networked devices worldwide [1] [2]. The actors used VPNFilter malware to target small office/home office (SOHO) routers. VPNFilter malware uses modular functionality to collect intelligence, exploit local area network (LAN) devices, and block actor-configurable network traffic. Specific characteristics of VPNFilter have only been observed in the BlackEnergy malware, specifically BlackEnergy versions 2 and 3. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recommend that owners of SOHO routers power cycle (reboot) SOHO routers and networked devices to temporarily disrupt the malware. DHS and FBI encourage SOHO router owners to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to their local FBI field office or the FBI’s 24/7 Cyber Watch (CyWatch). Field office... Read more →


JEROME BY DAVE WOLFE | CNBNewsnet

Related: ARTIST Dave Wolfe Vol. 4 No. 49 (May 27, 2018) Editor's Note: Each Sunday morning we will post a weekly comic strip provided by cartoonist Dave Wolfe, age 17. Dave has been drawing since he was 5 years old, he knew he wanted to be a cartoonist at the age of 8. He’s been distributing his comics in school since 3rd grade. (click image to enlarge) Read more →


Obituary: Richard Kaye Jr. of Gloucester City NJ

(CNBNewsnet)GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (May 26, 2018)--On May 22, 2018, of Gloucester City, NJ, age 67. He is the beloved husband of Rita M. (nee O’Toole), loving uncle of Tara Hodson (Earl Braddock) and Doris Hodson (Joseph Kipp) and dear friend of John McCabe. He is also survived by his sons Christopher Miller and Richard Kaye, III, and great nieces and nephews David Knowles, Erin Braddock, Kelsey Kipp and Joseph Kipp, Jr. Mr. Kaye was a Marine Corp. Veteran and had been employed by CVS in Lumberton. Relatives and friends are invited to meet Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and again Tuesday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 POWELL ST., GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ. Richard’s funeral service will be held Tuesday, 11:00 AM at the funeral home with interment to follow at New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr, NJ. Read more →


Fire Safety Officials Encourage Residents to Put Safety First at the Kickoff of Barbecue Season

Following Grilling and Food Safety Precautions Can Keep You Safe from Injury and Illness TRENTON – In advance of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Fire Safety and the New Jersey Department of Health are providing residents with grilling and food safety tips to keep holiday celebrations safe from injury and illness. “We want to remind families, before they start to grill hotdogs, hamburgers and other holiday fare, to take the necessary precautions when using grills, particularly gas-fired ones,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, DCA Commissioner. “Following these safety tips is a good way to remain safe during holiday cookouts and throughout the spring and summer months.” “Memorial Day weekend is a time for remembrance of our nation’s fallen women and men in uniform. When doing so with friends and family, it can be easy to forget safety precautions and... Read more →


Hormel Foods Corporation Recalls Canned Pork and Chicken Products

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2018 (CNBNewsnet)– Hormel Food Corp., a Fremont, NE establishment, is recalling approximately 228,614 pounds of canned pork and chicken products that may be contaminated with foreign matter, specifically pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The canned pork and chicken products were produced on February 8 through February 10, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)] 12-oz. metal cans containing “SPAM Classic” with a “Best By” February 2021 date and production codes: F020881, F020882, F020883, F020884, F020885, F020886, F020887, F020888 and F020889. These products were shipped throughout the United States. 12-oz. metal cans containing “Hormel Foods Black-Label Luncheon Loaf” with a “Best By” February 2021 date and production codes F02098 and F02108. These products were shipped to Guam only. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 199N” on the bottom of... Read more →


CNB Spotlight on College Students from NJ

Students Make Dean's List at Mount St. Mary's University EMMITSBURG, MD (05/25/2018)-- Mount St. Mary's University is pleased to announce that 593 students earned dean's list honors in Spring 2018. They include: Samantha Barry of Williamstown Lauren Bogardus of Southampton Caitriona Brady of North Wilawood Anna Caracciolo of Haddon Heights Ryan Carroll of Marlton Grace Crane of Logan Township Jason Dyson of Thorofare Alec Edgerton of Roebling Kirsten Hoffman of Millville Alexandra Johnson of Williamstown Sarah McBride of Wildwood Kristen Morawski of Pennsauken Nicole Pinto of West Deptford Gianna Pomykacz of Williamstown Bailey Raymond of Moorestown Dominick Ritondaro of Vineland Sean Seay of Haddon Heights Samuel Shinn of Clarksboro Dennis Stewart of Burlington Morgan Weigle of Penns Grove Cecilia Wigginton of Gloucester City Jaquelyn Yiatrou of Mount Laurel About Mount St. Mary's University Mount St. Mary's University is a private, liberal arts, Catholic university in the Catoctin Mountains near historic... Read more →


Memorial Day Weekend in Philadelphia 2018

photo courtesy of DRWC 30-plus ways to spend your holiday weekend in Philadelphia Celebrate the unofficial start of summer during Memorial Day weekend (May 25-28, 2018) in Philadelphia! The extended holiday celebration includes special programming at Independence National Historical Park, the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution and Laurel Hill Cemetery. Elsewhere, nearly a dozen tall ships cruise into Penn’s Landing for Sail Philadelphia, a five-day festival that offers fun for the whole family on land, on deck and on the water. And what would Memorial Day be without fireworks? Don’t miss special holiday fireworks shows along the Delaware River waterfront and at Longwood Gardens. That’s on top of the amazing events and activities going on all weekend in the city, including Spruce Street Harbor Park, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, beer gardens, exhibitions and more. Read more →


Three Atlantic City Electric Employees Honored for Volunteerism

Exelon program recognizes employees and provides grants to nonprofit partners MAYS LANDING, N.J. (May 24, 2018) – Exelon honored three Atlantic City Electric employees, Jonathan Fowler, John Garth, and Ken Mosca for their community volunteer work on May 23 at the company’s Energy for the Community Volunteer Awards Luncheon in Washington, D.C. During the event, Exelon also announced $5,000 in charitable contributions to each local nonprofit that the award winners support in New Jersey to amplify their hard work. “Our charitable contributions and volunteerism help improve the quality of life for our customers and local communities,” said Dave Velazquez, president and CEO, Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. “This year’s award winners are shining examples of selflessness, kindness and passion, and the work we do as a company to power a cleaner and brighter future for our customers and communities.” Jonathan Fowler, of Mullica Township, a transmission system operator,... Read more →


Coast Guard rescues 3 from water in Delaware Bay

PHILADELPHIA (CNBNewsnet)(May 26, 2018)— A Coast Guard boat crew rescued three people from the water approximately 30 yards offshore Lewes, Delaware, Friday evening. A 24-foot Special Purpose Craft-Shallow Water boat crew from Station Indian River Inlet in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, was underway in the area and spotted a capsized 21-foot catamaran near the ferry wall at 7:40 p.m. Three people were in the water nearby and wearing life jackets. The crew rescued all three adults from the water and brought them ashore to the Cape May-Lewes ferry terminal. No injuries or pollution were reported. The catamaran’s owner is arranging salvage of his vessel. “Boating accidents often happen too quickly for the people involved to locate and put on their life jackets,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Reece Raxter, coxswain for the case. “The three people aboard this boat made the right decision to put their life jackets on before the... Read more →


CNB March 2013 Archives: A Moving Documentary of 911 Evacuation of New York By Boat

Saturday, March 23, 2013 By Christopher Mims} September 8, 2011 Here, in its entirety, is the incredibly moving, just-released, Tom Hanks-narrated, 11-minute documentary of the largest-ever evacuation by boat in history. In nine hours, boats streaming in from all over the Northeast evacuated 500,000 people trapped on Manhattan Island by the complete shutdown of all trains and bridges in the wake of the fall of the twin towers. (Compare that with history’s second-biggest evacuation, of 339,000 soldiers and civilians from Dunkirk, in WWII, which took nine days.) One of the things this event illustrates is that in cities present and future, redundancy is one of the keys to resilience. New York has long neglected its waterfront, and in the face of rising seas it is even occasionally seen as a liability. And yet without access to the water, a half million New Yorkers would not have made it home on... Read more →


Gloucester County Senior Health and Fitness Fair recognizes success of seniors

Pictured: Elizabeth MCCullough, Jackie DeFrank, Freeholder Jim Jefferson, Janice Hill, and Marc and Wilma Nagtegaal (Deptford, NJ) - In honor of May being designated by the U.S. Administration on Aging as Older Americans Month, Gloucester County held its Senior Health and Fitness Fair at Auletto Caterers last Tuesday, May 15. Tomorrow, May 22, the sold out Senior Spring Fling event will take place at Auletto Caterers at 11 a.m. Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, "There are 50,000 citizens in our county aged 60 and older who are actively involved in multiple aspects of our community including volunteering, mentorship, the arts, and community services. We'd like to take the time to recognize and celebrate everything our senior community members have done for the county." Freeholder Jim Jefferson, Liaison to the Division of Senior Services, said, “By recognizing the success of the older members of our community we are also recognizing... Read more →


Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: May 14-20

Reminder for the week: Have a safe Memorial Day holiday weekend Don’t drink and boat! DOVER (May 25, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between May 14-20 made 1,256 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 29 citations. Officers responded to 50 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail. Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community On May 18, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers hosted a press event to kick off the 2018 National Safe Boating Week and Wear Your Life Jacket to Work... Read more →


One Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty, Another Indicted In Fort Dix Prison Child Porn Ring

CAMDEN, N.J. (May 25, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)– A Tennessee man became the seventh defendant to plead guilty while a Massachusetts man was indicted in connection to a child pornography ring at Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix that was operated by inmates who were imprisoned for related offenses, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. Charles Wesley Bush, 38, of Knoxville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography. William H. Noble, 52, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was charged by indictment today with conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, receipt of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and accessing child pornography with intent to view on federal property. He will be arraigned at a later date. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Bush admitted... Read more →


Bergen County Man Sentenced for Robbery of Bar, Carjacking, Kidnapping of Taxi Driver

NEWARK, N.J. (CNBNewsnet)(May 25, 2018)– A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 65 months in prison for participating in the December 2015 robbery of a North Jersey bar and the violent carjacking and kidnapping that took place shortly afterwards, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. Wilbur Jonathon Barahona, 22, of Ridgewood, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares to a three-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping. Judge Linares imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Barahona admitted that on Dec. 25, 2015, he and others forcibly robbed a bar in Hawthorne, New Jersey, and subsequently fled with approximately $200 in cash. In the early morning hours of Dec. 26, 2015, Barahona and others hailed a taxi in Paterson, New Jersey, and forcibly... Read more →


FOREIGN CYBER ACTORS TARGET HOME/OFFICE ROUTERS & NETWORKED DEVICES WORLDWIDE

May 25, 2018 FBI ALERT! SUMMARY The FBI recommends any owner of small office and home office routers power cycle (reboot) the devices. Foreign cyber actors have compromised hundreds of thousands of home and office routers and other networked devices worldwide. The actors used VPNFilter malware to target small office and home office routers. The malware is able to perform multiple functions, including possible information collection, device exploitation, and blocking network traffic. TECHNICAL DETAILS The size and scope of the infrastructure impacted by VPNFilter malware is significant. The malware targets routers produced by several manufacturers and network-attached storage devices by at least one manufacturer. The initial infection vector for this malware is currently unknown. THREAT VPNFilter is able to render small office and home office routers inoperable. The malware can potentially also collect information passing through the router. Detection and analysis of the malware’s network activity is complicated by its... Read more →


DOT completes dredging projects to restore state channels to navigable depths in Monmouth County

Boaters to have full access to some channels for first time in 30 years CNBNews graphics file (Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the completion of three dredging projects to restore waterways in Monmouth County to navigable depths, some for the first time in 30 years. Many of these channels in Shark River, Shrewsbury, and Keansburg had been shoaled in since Superstorm Sandy, limiting boating options, emergency response, and commercial vessel traffic in the area. These channels are now considered to be in a state of good repair for the 2018 boating season, and will provide access to enhanced recreational and economic activity for summer visitors and residents alike. NJDOT has invested $20.2 million on dredging projects to restore these channels as well as channels in Barnegat Bay and Forked River. This investment is part of a comprehensive State Channel Dredging and Emergency Response Program,... Read more →


Letters to the Editor: New poll Shows NJ's Senator Menendez in trouble

A new poll from Farleigh Dickinson University shows disgraced Senator Bob Menendez clinging to a four-point lead in a matchup with businessman Bob Hugin. The poll shows Menendez with the support of just 28% of voters, an astonishingly low number for a two-term incumbent that is sure to cause heartburn among Democrats hoping voters would overlook the Senator’s ethical lapses. Menendez’s woes are threatening to turn the state, which includes the expensive New York and Philadelphia media markets, into a financial black hole for Democrats. Just yesterday, the Chairman of Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, Chris Van Hollen, acknowledged the race would be a fight, and they would get financially involved if necessary. Such a move would have serious implications, not just in New Jersey, but across the Senate map. “New Jersey voters have washed their hands of disgraced Senator Bob Menendez and are ready for someone new,” said NRSC Spokesman... Read more →


Lady Lions Headed to SJ Group 1 Championship

The Lady Lions headed south to play number 2 seed Buena with a trip to the SJ Group 1 Championship on the line. The 2017 Lions season ended with a loss to Buena but, today Lions pitcher Vanessa Pino scattered 7 hits over 7 innings and Emilee Hillman drove in 2 runs to give the Lions a 3-1 win. Photo Courtesy of Bruce Darrow Pictured below 2B Jordan Howey Pictured below Samantha Palese Pictured below Catcher Mariah Dietrich Pictured below Pitcher Vanessa Pino Read more →


Search for Information Regarding Fire Dept. Fight, Leads to 12 Lawsuits Filed Against Gloucester City

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet EDITOR'S NOTE: (May 25, 2018)-- In our search for information about the alleged fight between two Gloucester City firemen that occurred earlier this year at Fire Headquarters, King and Monmouth Streets, CNBNews submitted an OPRA request for all lawsuits filed against the City in 2018. We had heard that the injured fireman, who suffered a broken arm, had filed a lawsuit against the person responsible for the attack and also against the City. According to an anonymous source, the alleged fight at the Fire Department headquarters, One King Street, involved a fire department captain who allegedly attacked a subordinate over comments about the firehouse in the media. The fireman was in a discussion about whether it was someone within the firehouse. This supposedly enraged the captain, a six-foot-plus individual who outweighed the man he attacked by over 75 pounds. The captain picked his subordinate... Read more →


Guest Opinion: Cosed Swimming Areas Show Park Problems

by NJ Sierra Club A lack of lifeguards has forced the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry to close the swimming areas at Ringwood's Shepherd's Lake and Stokes's Stoney Lake for the foreseeable future. Low wages are cited as the main reason for not being able to fill the positions: only $10 an hour is offered. Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, released the following statement: “It’s disappointing that New Jersey won’t be opening two of its popular swimming areas this Memorial Day Weekend, and potentially for the whole summer. People won’t be able to picnic and swim with their families during the holiday. Our state has a shortage of swimming areas as it is so this will be a blow to many of the families who wanted to recreate outside this weekend. This closure is a sign that we must do better to fund our... Read more →


DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police’s 3rdAnnual Youth Academies

Application deadline extended to June 15 for DOVER (May 24, 2018) – If you are a student aged 12 through 15 with an interest in natural resources and law enforcement, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police is once again offering summer Youth Academies – with the deadline for applying extended to Friday, June 15. The Youth Academy is a five-day program that teaches boating safety, hunter safety, and how to protect our natural resources while looking to nurture the relationship between Delaware’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police (NRP) officers and the community. Participants in the Youth Academy attend tuition-free. This year, Fish & Wildlife NRP offers a Basic Youth Academy and two Advanced Youth Academy programs: Natural Resources Police Basic Youth Academy (New Castle County) – Monday through Friday, June 25-29, Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center, 1205 River Road, New Castle, DE 19720 Natural Resources Police Advanced Youth... Read more →


HMSHost Offers Late Night Drivers Free Coffee on Atlantic City Expressway

Friday, May 25 – Sunday, May 27 of Memorial Day Weekend, midnight – 5 a.m. HMSHost offers a free coffee to late-night travelers on the Atlantic City Expressway this Memorial Day weekend.] Hammonton, NJ (CNBNewsnet)– May 24, 2018 – Global restaurateur HMSHost will provide free coffee to motorists who visit the Frank S. Farley Service Plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway from midnight to 5 a.m. on Friday, May 25, Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27 during the Memorial Day Weekend . “Each year we offer free coffee to late-night travelers as our way of saying thanks and helping them to stay alert after their busy days during the first holiday of the summer season,” explained Gary Reinhart, Vice President of New Jersey Motorways for HMSHost, the food and beverage operator of the Farley Service Plaza. HMSHost is continuing a tradition of offering a free small cup of coffee... Read more →


$200,000 FLOOD-RESILIENCE PLANNING GRANTS FOR COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY SANDY

DEP ANNOUNCES COMPETITION (May 24, 2018)(CNBNewsnet) TRENTON - Municipalities in the nine counties most impacted by Superstorm Sandy can form teams to compete for $200,000 resilience-planning grants to address coastal and river-related flooding, Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe announced today. The grant competition is part of Resilient NJ, a new program administered through the DEP's Office of Coastal and Land Use Planning, to identify and implement innovative regional solutions to address coastal and river-related flooding. "Through Resilient NJ, we encourage eligible local governments to develop innovative ideas to address flooding in their communities that will protect lives and property by strengthening overall resilience," Acting Commissioner McCabe said. "It is critical that we apply what we've learned from Sandy to better plan for future storms and sea-level rise." The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is providing the grant funding as part of its National Disaster... Read more →


Gloucester City Police Notify Residents About Cleaning Up Their Properties; Face Fines If Cited

CNBNews graphics file GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (May 25, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)--The Gloucester City Police Department reminded residents that the law pertaining to cleaning up their properties will be strictly enforced. Violators face fines. The police department released the following statement. Gloucester City residents please be advised that code enforcement personnel will be notifying property owners and tenants who are in violation of Gloucester City Code 25, "Brush, Weeds and Debris" and Code 66, "Property Maintenance". This will be an ongoing effort that will continue throughout the spring and summer season. In summary, Code 25 specifies that grass, weeds or brush growing above the height of 10 inches from ground level shall be considered a nuisance. Additionally, Code 66-17A requires property owners and operators keep the premises free from hazards such as refuse and Code 66-17B requires property owners and operators maintain the premises so that it does not constitute a blighting factor... Read more →


DREAM Park readying for upcoming June events and shows

(Logan Township, NJ) After weeks of rain and bad weather, the Gloucester County DREAM Park invites residents to get out to the DREAM Park and attend the upcoming June events and shows. Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, "The DREAM Park always has something going on. With the weather finally clear, the Board of Chosen Freeholders would like to encourage residents to take advantage of visiting the DREAM Park to enjoy events they have to offer." All events are free to spectate and will take place on the following days: From June 1 through June 3 the Greater Eastern Appaloosa Regional Show will take place in the DREAM Park Main Arena. There are 130 regional clubs nationwide that are officially recognized representatives of the Appaloosa Horse Club. They are groups of people who get together for the common purpose of riding and being involved with Appaloosas. These clubs have many... Read more →


Women’s Tennis Association to Use Masimo MightySat™ Fingertip Pulse Oximeters

Masimo MightySat™ (Photo: Business Wire) ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. & IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Masimo (NASDAQ: MASI) announced today that the WTA’s Sport Sciences and Medicine (SS&M) team will immediately begin using Masimo MightySat™ as part of their mission to provide comprehensive care for athletes on the women’s professional tennis circuit. “We’re fortunate to have this new technology in the training room and on the court at the WTA. This equipment will aid our PHCPs in assessing player health and allow them to better service the immediate needs of our athletes” Tweet this MightySat is a fingertip pulse oximeter designed for general wellness and health applications including sports, fitness, and relaxation management. MightySat provides noninvasive measurements of oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate (PR), perfusion index (Pi), PVi® (studies show changes in PVi may indicate changes in hydration, breathing effort, perfusion, or other factors1-3) and RRp™ (respiration rate... Read more →


Gloucester County Animal Shelter hosting first Kitten Shower

Gloucester County Animal Shelter hosting first Kitten Shower (Clayton, NJ) The Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced today that the Gloucester County Animal Shelter will host a Kitten Shower on June 2, 2018 from noon to 3 p.m. to celebrate the upcoming arrival of new kittens as June is kitten season. The goal of the program is for people to donate supplies and to help the animal shelter recruit new foster families as well. Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, "Baby showers have always been a great way for new families to get what they need to help support their new baby. With the upcoming arrival of new kittens, the Gloucester County Animal Shelter has decided to celebrate kitten season by hosting a shower." Damminger said in order to help supply these new kittens with everything they need, this Kitten Shower will be modeled after a baby shower, where... Read more →


MS-13 member nicknamed "Animal" sentenced to 40 years in murder, RICO probe

M-13 gang members (file photo) BOSTON (May 24, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)--– An MS-13 member known by the street name “Animal” was sentenced to 40 years in prison following a multiagency probe, which included U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Joel “Animal” Martinez, was sentenced for racketeering conspiracy involving the murder of a 15-year-old boy in East Boston as a result of the HSI Boston investigation. Martinez, 23, a citizen and national of El Salvador who formerly lived in East Boston was sentenced to 40 years in prison and two years of supervised release. Martinez will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In December 2017, Martinez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. The case was prosecuted by the Office of United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling Martinez admitted that on Sept.... Read more →


STATE OF THE SHORE EVENT KICKS OFF 2018 BEACH SEASON

CNBNews graphics file (May 24, 2018)(CNBNewsnet) TRENTON - New Jersey, consistently a national leader in ocean water quality and monitoring, is looking forward to another great beach season, Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said today during the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium's 16th Annual State of the Shore event in Asbury Park. The event is held every year prior to Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of the shore season and provides a status report on water quality, beaches and other coastal issues. The shore is the backbone of the state's $44 billion tourism economy. "New Jersey has long been a leader in protecting water quality at our beaches because of a strong state and local cooperative monitoring partnership that is second to none in the nation," Acting Commissioner McCabe said. "We look forward to another great beach season and remain committed to ensuring all of... Read more →


Consumer Energy Alliance Releases Report on Benefits of Pipelines to New York

Group Finds Access to More Affordable, Reliable Supplies of Energy is Critical to New York’s Families, Small Businesses and Households ALBANY, N.Y.(May 23, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today released a report titled “Pipelines and their Benefits to New York” at a breakfast discussion on the Future of Natural Gas and Economic Development in New York, hosted by New Yorkers for Affordable Energy. Faced with a new everyday reality of energy insecurity for many in the U.S., CEA’s report examines the benefits of pipelines to New York - specifically highlighting the need for affordable energy supplies to keep the daily lives of families and businesses across New York moving. Consumer Energy Alliance releases report on benefits of #pipelines to #NewYork - @CEAorg finds access to more affordable, reliable supplies of energy is critical to NY's families, small businesses and households #affordableenergy #energysecurity CEA’s report examines the benefits of pipelines, and... Read more →


USCG Training Center Members Scheduled to Participate in Multiple Memorial Day Events

CAPE MAY, N.J. (CNBNewsnet)(May 24, 2018)– Coast Guardsmen will participate in numerous Memorial Day events to help Cape May County honor the service of America’s military members who have died in service to our country, Monday. The Coast Guard Training Center Cape May’s ceremonial staff will provide a color guard and firing parties at a number of community events in honor of Memorial Day. Senior officials from the training center are also expected to speak at a number of these events. “It is our honor to participate in the various Memorial Day events happening in and around our city," said Capt. Owen Gibbons, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Training Center Cape May. "Taking the time to honor the men and women who gave their final measures to protect this nation is both humbling and important. It serves as a reminder to all of us as to what it takes... Read more →


Hot Cars Can Hit Deadly Temperatures in as Little as One Hour

Newswise (CNBNewsnet) — A lot can happen at 160 degrees Fahrenheit: Eggs fry, salmonella bacteria dies, and human skin will suffer third-degree burns. If a car is parked in the sun on a hot summer day, its dashboard can hit 160 degrees in about an hour. One hour is also about how long it can take for a young child trapped in a car to suffer heat injury or even die from hyperthermia. Researchers from Arizona State University and the University of California at San Diego School of Medicine have completed a study to compare how different types of cars warm up on hot days when exposed to different amounts of shade and sunlight for different periods of time. The research team also took into account how these differences would affect the body temperature of a hypothetical 2-year-old child left in a vehicle on a hot day. Their study was... Read more →


Don’t drink and boat on Delaware waterways

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police advise: DOVER (May 23, 2018) – For the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that drinking and boating don’t mix – and that boat operators with blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher risk facing charges for operating under the influence (OUI), as well as putting themselves, their passengers and other boaters in Delaware waters at risk. “Just like driving an automobile, operating a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher is in violation of Delaware and federal laws,” said Sgt. Brooke Africa of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, noting that marine patrols are increased over the holiday weekend to ensure safe boating and public safety. “Boat operators found at or above the legal limit will find their voyage terminated, will be arrested, and may have their vessel impounded. Anyone... Read more →


DRPA and Mural Arts Philadelphia Announce Final Mural Design Selection

image provided by Delaware River Port Authority Selected artists will be commissioned for two murals in the Philadelphia 5th Street Vehicular and Pedestrian Tunnels The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA), in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia announced today that local artists Brad Carney, Melissa Mandel and Mat Tomeszko have been commissioned to create two murals for the Authority. Carney and Mandel will collaborate on a mural for the 5th Street Pedestrian Tunnel and Tomeszko will create a mural for the 5th Street Vehicular Tunnel. The Vehicular Tunnel Mural will occupy a 1,500-square-foot area approximately halfway through the tunnel, and the Pedestrian Tunnel Mural will occupy two 1,000-square-foot areas in the underpass. In addition to serving as visual enhancements for the surrounding community, the murals will also serve to deter incidents of graffiti and other vandalism. “The mural designs submitted by Brad, Melissa and Mat exceeded all expectations,” said Valerie P.... Read more →


GOVERNOR WOLF: Resurfacing Roads & Fixing Potholes

CNBNews graphics file Harrisburg, PA – Following a long winter season with dramatic temperature swings, Governor Tom Wolf announced today that PennDOT is mounting an aggressive campaign to accelerate repaving work on interstates and attack potholes across Pennsylvania as part of a Resurface PA initiative. A significant part of the work will be financed using savings from other projects since Governor Wolf took office. “PennDOT has been at work on this problem for many months, but the severe temperature swings through the winter have created ideal conditions for continued pavement challenges,” Gov. Wolf said. “We are further increasing our focus on pothole repairs and also accelerating much-needed work on our interstates.” Governor Wolf directed PennDOT to dedicate as many resources as possible to pothole and pavement repairs. The department has prioritized $22.3 million for immediate pothole repairs through June 30, which translates into nearly 30,000 tons of patching material. An... Read more →


CBP Releases Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Travel Advisory

CNBNews graphics file DETROIT - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations reminds travelers planning trips across the Detroit, Port Huron and Sault Ste. Marie border crossings to anticipate heavy traffic and to have their approved travel documents during the Memorial Day weekend. In compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, need to present an approved travel document to enter the U.S. by land and sea. Air travelers need a passport while those traveling by land or sea may use a variety of documents to include a Passport, Passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), an Enhanced Driver’s License, Enhanced Identification Card or approved Tribal Documents. U.S. and Canadian children under the age of 16 can present an original or certified copy of their birth certificate. Please visit the WHTI website for additional information (www.getyouhome.gov). Use of... Read more →