New Jersey Newspaper Cuts Weather Team as Industry Downsizing Continues (2024)

JERSEY CITY, NJ – Mayor Steven M. Fulop, together with the City Council, the Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Exchange Place Alliance, is thrilled to announce a grand Fourth of July celebration featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Wyclef Jean as the headliner. The event will kick off with performances by renowned artists Fat Joe at 7 p.m. and DJ Funk Flex at 6 p.m. The evening will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks display by Fireworks by Grucci starting at 9:25 p.m. over the Hudson River.

This annual event has evolved into a regional highlight under Mayor Fulop’s stewardship, promising an unforgettable day filled with music, family activities, and community spirit in celebration of America's independence. The festivities will commence at noon with offerings from popular food trucks, engaging activities for families, and performances by local talents from Jersey City, setting the stage for the headline acts.

Christine Goodman, Director of Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs, expressed pride in featuring local artists who will perform before an expected crowd of over 100,000 attendees from the tri-state area. Following the performances, the fireworks show, orchestrated by the Guinness World Record-holding Grucci, will illuminate the sky from two barges on the Hudson River.

Elizabeth Cain, Executive Director of the Exchange Place Alliance, highlighted the significance of the event in bringing together the diverse community of Jersey City for a celebration of music, patriotism, and unity. The event is supported by the Jersey City Night Market, managed by MMFB Productions, which will line Montgomery Street with vendors offering a variety of food and local crafts.

Further details about the event, including transportation and attendee information, can be found on the city’s dedicated website, July4thNJ.com. Visitors are advised to consider alternative transportation options to the event due to limited parking, with bicycle valet services available at Exchange Place.

BRONX, NY—An off-duty employee of the New York City Housing Authority, Brandon Suarez, 30, was arrested on Tuesday evening under multiple charges. The arrest occurred at 8:38 PM within the 40 Precinct.

Suarez faces charges including resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. The specifics of the incident leading to these charges have not been disclosed by the authorities.

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Mayor Dan Rodrick and the Toms River Recreation Department are excited to announce this summer's free concert series at Shelter Cove Beach. Scheduled for Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM, these events promise to bring family-friendly entertainment to the community.

Residents are invited to bring their own chairs, towels, or blankets, and snacks to enjoy performances by some of the biggest cover bands in New Jersey. This community initiative aims to provide a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere for families throughout the summer months.

For additional information about the concert series, interested parties are encouraged to contact Toms River Recreation at 732-341-1000 ext. 8415.

MANHATTAN, NY—A 22-year-old woman was fatally stabbed late Tuesday night in Midtown Manhattan, prompting a swift response from local authorities. The NYPD arrived at the scene at 304 West 40th Street around 10:17 PM after receiving a 911 call about an assault in progress.

Upon arrival, officers found the young woman with a stab wound to the chest. She was quickly transported by emergency services to NYC Health and Hospitals/Bellevue, where she was pronounced dead. The victim's identity has not been released as authorities are still in the process of notifying her family.

Currently, no arrests have been made in connection with the stabbing, and the NYPD's investigation continues as they seek leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

QUEENS, NY—A shooting incident in Queens has left two individuals injured, with the suspects currently evading police capture. The violent episode occurred on Tuesday, June 11, at the intersection of 183 Street and 143 Avenue. According to police reports, a 23-year-old male and a 15-year-old were sitting in a Mercedes Benz when two armed males approached from behind and opened fire.

The assailants fired multiple shots, hitting the 23-year-old in the left leg and the 15-year-old in the face. Both victims were promptly transported to local hospitals; the older victim to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, and the younger to Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Both are reported to be in stable condition.

The suspects fled the scene on foot, heading north on 183 Street towards 141 Avenue. The first suspect is described as having a medium complexion, last seen wearing a black and white baseball cap, white t-shirt, light blue jeans, and red and black Nike Jordan sneakers.

The second suspect, also with a medium complexion, was wearing red and white Nike Jordan sneakers, green and white tie-dye shorts, an olive green t-shirt, and a white t-shirt over his face. Police are actively seeking any information leading to their capture.

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – In a heartfelt show of support, Gloucester Township Police officers and civilian staff have rallied together to send care packages to their colleagues deployed overseas. The packages, aimed to boost morale, were sent out today to Patrolmen Zachary Blome and Gregory Flynn of the 114th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, who are currently serving with the U.S. Central Command’s Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

The care packages included a variety of snacks, powdered drinks, dryer sheets, detergent pods, playing cards, and heartfelt "Thank You" letters from local students. American flags were also packed as a symbol of unity and support from the community.

The deployment of the 1st Battalion - 114th Infantry Regiment marks the largest mobilization of New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers since 2008, involving approximately 1,500 troops. Chief David Harkins expressed immense pride in the officers and reiterated the department's commitment to supporting the families of those serving abroad.

As the community continues to stand behind its service members, the police department encourages everyone to keep the deployed officers and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this significant time of service.