This NJ Cop Disguised As A Shrub Just Wrote 74 Tickets In 6 Hours This NJ Cop Disguised As A Shrub Just Wrote 74 Tickets In 6 Hours
This NJ Cop Disguised As A Shrub Just Wrote 74 Tickets In 6 Hours Leaf it to New Jersey police to get creative in their fight against distracted driving, and it was tree-mendously effective. An officer disguised as a shrub helped catch 74 distracted drivers in just six hours during an enforcement detail in the borough's downtown, Dunellen police said Wednesday, July 29. The operation took place on the 100 block of North Washington Avenue, where officers targeted violations of New Jersey's handheld cellphone law in one of Dunellen's busiest pedestrian corridors. "🌿 Did you spot our 'shrub' today? If you had your head buried in your phone, probably not! 👀📱…
Weather Pattern Shift Nears After Soaking Stretch: Here's What's Ahead Weather Pattern Shift Nears After Soaking Stretch: Here's What's Ahead
Weather Pattern Shift Nears After Soaking Stretch: Here's What's Ahead The Northeast can finally see the back edge of its long-running storm, but one more soggy stretch stands between the region and a brighter break. The slow-moving system will continue exiting offshore on Thursday evening, July 30, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. The Weather Prediction Center maintained a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall across New England. Additional rain could cause isolated flash flooding where soil remains saturated from earlier downpours. Farther south and west, conditions will gradually improve across Pennsylvania and the Mid-At…
15 Injuries Prompt Huge Recall Of Popular Stools: What To Know 15 Injuries Prompt Huge Recall Of Popular Stools: What To Know
15 Injuries Prompt Huge Recall Of Popular Stools: What To Know A popular kitchen step stool is being recalled after more than a dozen children were injured, officials said. Shenzhen Muqiqu Creative Development issued the recall for about 91,000 Woodure Toddler Kitchen Step Stools, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 30. The stools can collapse or tip over while being used, increasing the risk of serious injury or death. A child's torso can also fit through openings on the front and back sides, creating an entrapment hazard. There have been at least 22 reports of instability or tip-overs, according to the CPSC. Fifteen injurie…
Chips Ahoy! Launches First-Ever Mystery Flavor With $25K Prize: How To Win Chips Ahoy! Launches First-Ever Mystery Flavor With $25K Prize: How To Win
Chips Ahoy! Launches First-Ever Mystery Flavor With $25K Prize: How To Win Chips Ahoy! is launching its first-ever mystery flavor and asking fans to figure out what's inside. The cookie brand announced the limited-edition Chips Ahoy Mystery Cookie in a news release on Thursday, July 30. The secret flavor will remain under wraps until Halloween, which falls on Saturday, Oct. 31. The cookies are available in limited quantities through SnackWorks' TikTok Shop storefront before they roll out to stores nationwide on Monday, Aug. 10. "For Gen Z, snacking and gaming aren't just pastimes, but how they connect, recharge and build community," said Mili Laddha, senior direc…
LI GOP Leader’s DWI Charge Upgraded After BAC Results Come Back: Authorities LI GOP Leader’s DWI Charge Upgraded After BAC Results Come Back: Authorities
LI GOP Leader’s DWI Charge Upgraded After BAC Results Come Back: Authorities A local Republican party leader on Long Island is facing upgraded charges for a drunken car crash earlier this year. Tammy Robinkoff, 60, was hit with an aggravated DWI charge Monday, July 27 after her BAC was measured at 0.18, the Riverhead News-Review first reported Wednesday, July 29. Robinkoff, chairwoman of the Riverhead Republican Party, was driving on West Main Street through Riverhead on May 24 when she began driving erratically, turned onto Sunrise Avenue and continued onto Further Lane, according to police and doorbell cam video obtained by Newsday. Cops said Robinkoff collided w…
Send This To Your Single Friend In NYC: 'Love Is Blind' Is Casting Send This To Your Single Friend In NYC: 'Love Is Blind' Is Casting
Send This To Your Single Friend In NYC: 'Love Is Blind' Is Casting Think you've swiped enough? Netflix is giving New York City singles a chance to ditch the dating apps and find romance the old-fashioned "Love Is Blind" way — without ever seeing their match. The streaming giant has officially opened casting for "Love Is Blind: New York City," inviting single men and women who are "brave, open-minded, and ready for a committed relationship" to apply. The announcement poses one simple question: "Are you ready to find out if LOVE is truly blind?" Interested hopefuls can submit an application at LIBCasting.com. The Emmy-nominated reality dating series …
King Kullen Sold: What Deal Means For 28 Long Island Supermarkets And Workers King Kullen Sold: What Deal Means For 28 Long Island Supermarkets And Workers
King Kullen Sold: What Deal Means For 28 Long Island Supermarkets And Workers King Kullen, the Long Island-headquartered chain known as “America’s First Supermarket” is being sold. Giunta’s Meat Farms will acquire the 24 King Kullen and four Wild by Nature stores remaining, all of which are on Long Island, according to a press release from the two companies. King Kullen and the 10 Giunta’s Meat Farms locations will continue operating separately until the deal closes in September, the companies said. No layoffs are expected upon completion of the sale. King Kullen tried to sell off its remaining stores in 2019, striking a deal with Massachusetts-based Stop & Shop…
30+ Fires, Person's Death Spark Massive Refrigerator Recall 30+ Fires, Person's Death Spark Massive Refrigerator Recall
30+ Fires, Person's Death Spark Massive Refrigerator Recall More than 121,000 retro-style refrigerators are being recalled after dozens caught fire, including one blaze linked to a death, officials said. Galanz Americas issued the recall for about 121,680 Galanz Retro Refrigerators, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 30. Internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite, creating serious fire and burn hazards. The CPSC is aware of 34 fires involving the refrigerators. One person was killed in one of the fires, according to firefighters. The recall covers model numbers BCD-215V-62H, GLR76TRDER, GLR76TBKER, G…
Potentially Fatal Virus Discovered In New York, No Vaccine Or Treatment Potentially Fatal Virus Discovered In New York, No Vaccine Or Treatment
Potentially Fatal Virus Discovered In New York, No Vaccine Or Treatment A rare, potentially fatal virus carried by ticks has been detected in New York for the first time. The case of Bourbon virus was confirmed in Suffolk County by researchers at Stony Brook University, according to a Tuesday, July 21 announcement. Michael Larkin, 67, survived his encounter with the virus, which has no treatment, no commonly available test, and no vaccine, WCBS reported. He was working outdoors when a lone star tick infected him. Because there is no simple test for Bourbon virus and its symptoms mirror Lyme disease, it is difficult to identify and had only been confirmed in fo…
Dad Threatens To Kill 4-Year-Old Over Wall Paint In Video, Detectives Say Dad Threatens To Kill 4-Year-Old Over Wall Paint In Video, Detectives Say
Dad Threatens To Kill 4-Year-Old Over Wall Paint In Video, Detectives Say A father is accused of recording himself threatening to kill his 4-year-old son after the child painted on a wall, according to investigators. Teagan English, 25, of Matamoras Borough, Pennsylvania, was arrested Tuesday, July 28, following an investigation by the Pike County District Attorney's Office that began after Pike County Children and Youth Services shared a disturbing recording with detectives, District Attorney Ray Tonkin announced. English has been charged with felony endangering the welfare of children, aggravated assault of a victim younger than 6 years old, and false impr…
Urgent Recall Issued Over Rollaway Risks In 310K+ Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Urgent Recall Issued Over Rollaway Risks In 310K+ Mercedes-Benz Vehicles
Urgent Recall Issued Over Rollaway Risks In 310K+ Mercedes-Benz Vehicles More than 310,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles are being recalled because they can roll away due to a faulty driver's door switch. Mercedes-Benz USA issued the recall for 310,667 vehicles, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed on Friday, July 24. The recall includes certain 2019-2026 Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs. The micro-switch inside the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect when the door is opened. The problem can prevent the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically, potentially allowing the vehicle t…
Nassau Ponzi Schemer Took Disney, Turkey Trips In $600K Fraud Scheme, Dodges Prison: AG Nassau Ponzi Schemer Took Disney, Turkey Trips In $600K Fraud Scheme, Dodges Prison: AG
Nassau Ponzi Schemer Took Disney, Turkey Trips In $600K Fraud Scheme, Dodges Prison: AG An investment schemer who targeted New York’s Haitian community and stole more than $600,000 has avoided prison time after pleading guilty, authorities said. Marc Henry Menard, 43, got five years of probation and was barred from trading securities for five years, the New York Attorney General’s office announced Thursday, July 30. Menard, a former Mineola resident, used the money he stole to travel to Turkey, Puerto Rico, and Disney World, buy a Mercedes-Benz and a BMW, and splurge on Gucci and Louis Vuitton items, investigators said. To his customers in Nassau, Suffolk, and Rockland counti…
Chili's Going Retro With Nostalgic Makeovers At Restaurants Nationwide: Reports Chili's Going Retro With Nostalgic Makeovers At Restaurants Nationwide: Reports
Chili's Going Retro With Nostalgic Makeovers At Restaurants Nationwide: Reports The next time you walk into Chili's, it may feel like you've stepped back into the '90s. Chili's is reportedly planning to give its more than 1,200 US restaurants retro makeovers over the next several years. The casual dining chain will bring back many of the nostalgic features that helped define the brand decades ago, CNN reported. The redesigned restaurants will feature red leather booths, colorful Southwest-inspired tile tabletops, vintage wall décor, and updated bar areas with more televisions and neon margarita signs. "Our objective is we want to make Chili's more …
Powerful NJ Construction Family Featured On Alix Earle's New Netflix Show: How To Watch Powerful NJ Construction Family Featured On Alix Earle's New Netflix Show: How To Watch
Powerful NJ Construction Family Featured On Alix Earle's New Netflix Show: How To Watch New Jersey influencer Alix Earle is bringing her life to Netflix with "Earle Meets World," a new reality series premiering on Friday, Sept. 4, according to a brand-new teaser. A teaser, released Thursday, July 30, appears to hint at the Red Bank native's widely discussed fallout with podcast host Alex Cooper while also giving viewers a look inside her New Jersey family. The trailer features Earle alongside her mother, Alisa, who was recently diagnosed with cancer; her father, New Jersey construction magnate Thomas "TJ" Earle; and her sisters, Ashtin and Izabel. The Earle family has lon…
Major Airline Adds DraftKings Sports Predictions To Flights Amid Gambling Concerns Major Airline Adds DraftKings Sports Predictions To Flights Amid Gambling Concerns
Major Airline Adds DraftKings Sports Predictions To Flights Amid Gambling Concerns Delta Air Lines is launching an in-flight game powered by DraftKings amid concerns about the growth of prediction markets and online gambling nationwide. The airline introduced SkyPicks on Wednesday, July 29. The free sports prediction contest is available to SkyMiles members ages 21 and older on US domestic flights through Delta Sync Wi-Fi. Players can make predictions tied to real sporting events for a chance to win Delta gift cards. No wagers, deposits, buy-ins, miles, or real money are involved, according to the airline. SkyPicks will begin with MLB contests before adding NFL matc…
Year-Long Escape For LI DWI Fugitive Who Badly Injured Two Ends With Arrest: Cops Year-Long Escape For LI DWI Fugitive Who Badly Injured Two Ends With Arrest: Cops
Year-Long Escape For LI DWI Fugitive Who Badly Injured Two Ends With Arrest: Cops The law finally caught up with a young Long Island drunk driver who ran from a serious car crash in March 2025, police said. Santiago Barreto Gomez, 20, of Riverhead, was arrested Thursday, July 30 and hit with a dozen charges, the Southampton Town Police Department said. Barreto Gomez was involved in a two-car crash on Oak Avenue near Albany Street on March 7, 2025, in Flanders, cops said. Two people in the other vehicle suffered extensive injuries, while Barreto Gomez fled the scene, police said. Following a “detailed investigation,” Barreto Gomez was arrested with the assistance of seve…
Cocaine Found In LI Man’s Second DWI In Five Months: Police Cocaine Found In LI Man’s Second DWI In Five Months: Police
Cocaine Found In LI Man’s Second DWI In Five Months: Police A young Long Island drunk driver was busted for the second time in five months early Thursday morning, July 30, this time with cocaine, police said. Seven Smith, 22, of Southampton, was pulled over on East Montauk Highway near Canoe Place Road in Hampton Bays around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, the Southampton Town Police Department said. Cops stopped Smith for a traffic violation, then determined he was driving drunk, authorities said. Additionally, officers found cocaine in Smith’s possession, according to police. Smith was charged with felony drug possession, DWI, and multiple traffic violations…
Mom, Daughter Ran $160K Retail NY Theft Ring, Stashed Items In Surprising Spot: Police Mom, Daughter Ran $160K Retail NY Theft Ring, Stashed Items In Surprising Spot: Police
Mom, Daughter Ran $160K Retail NY Theft Ring, Stashed Items In Surprising Spot: Police A mother and daughter operated a coordinated retail theft ring across Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New York City, authorities said Thursday, July 30. Maria Betances, 47, and Leslie Cruz, 24, had nearly $160,000 worth of stolen goods and $30,000 cash at their homes in Valley Stream and Queens, respectively, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office. The duo operated the scheme for months, directing at least four burglars to hit stores in Nassau, Westchester, and Rockland counties, along with Queens and Staten Island, according to New York State Police. Betances also ran the …
Sexually Explicit Comments To Students Get LI Driving Instructor Fired, Arrested: Police Sexually Explicit Comments To Students Get LI Driving Instructor Fired, Arrested: Police
Sexually Explicit Comments To Students Get LI Driving Instructor Fired, Arrested: Police A Long Island driving instructor made sexually explicit and offensive comments to his students during lessons, police said Thursday, July 30. Joseph Klein, 66, was arrested Wednesday, July 29 after an investigation into his activities at Elite Driving of Long Island in Hauppauge, the Suffolk County Police Department said. Klein, of Farmingdale, made the comments to male students between Monday, July 6 and Wednesday, July 22, according to investigators. Driving school owner Asif Khan told News 12 Long Island that Klein had just been hired recently, then canned last week after the company le…
Former Mob Prosecutor Sworn In As SDNY's New Chief, Succeeds Jay Clayton Former Mob Prosecutor Sworn In As SDNY's New Chief, Succeeds Jay Clayton
Former Mob Prosecutor Sworn In As Sdny's New Chief, Succeeds Jay Clayton The Southern District of New York has a new top federal prosecutor following the resignation of US Attorney Jay Clayton.  Jamie McDonald was sworn in as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York on Wednesday, July 29, after being appointed by Chief US District Judge Laura Taylor Swain.   McDonald succeeds Jay Clayton, who resigned earlier in the day after being confirmed by the US Senate as the nation's new Director of National Intelligence. McDonald previously served as an Assistant US Attorney in the Southern District's Criminal Division through 2017, wh…
LI Tractor Trailer Arson Confounds Police, Photo Of Suspect Shared LI Tractor Trailer Arson Confounds Police, Photo Of Suspect Shared
LI Tractor Trailer Arson Confounds Police, Photo Of Suspect Shared After a tractor-trailer was torched on Long Island earlier this year, police are asking for help identifying the suspected arsonist. An unknown suspect set the truck on fire on Sunday, May 24 around 3:30 a.m. at 43 Windsor Place in Central Islip, the Suffolk County Police Department said. The 2014 International truck at Consolidated Bulk Carriers Inc. went up in flames, but no people were injured in the incident, according to police. Cops shared surveillance video of the suspect approaching the truck before allegedly lighting it up. Authorities are offering a cash reward for tips that lead…
LI Middle School Weed Gummy Case: Dealer Cuts Plea Deal And Faces Deportation, Authorities Say LI Middle School Weed Gummy Case: Dealer Cuts Plea Deal And Faces Deportation, Authorities Say
LI Middle School Weed Gummy Case: Dealer Cuts Plea Deal And Faces Deportation, Authorities Say A Long Island drug dealer admitted selling weed gummies to a middle school student, eventually sending 12 children to a local hospital, authorities said Thursday, July 30. Wilmer Castillo Garcia, 23, pleaded guilty to third-degree drug possession and child endangerment in exchange for a two-year prison term, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office said. Castillo Garcia, of Mastic, is a Guatemalan native and will face deportation after serving his sentence, according to authorities. His legal problems began in March 2025, when a dozen students at William Floyd Middle School in Moriche…
JetBlue Makes Major Changes To How You Book Flights: See What's New JetBlue Makes Major Changes To How You Book Flights: See What's New
JetBlue Makes Major Changes To How You Book Flights: See What's New JetBlue Airways is changing how travelers book flights as it prepares to launch a new domestic first-class option. The New York-based airline announced this week that it will begin rolling out what it called a simpler shopping system. Customers will first choose their onboard experience before selecting a fare based on price and flexibility. Travelers will be able to choose from four classes: Main, EvenMore, BlueFirst, and Mint. "With the introduction of BlueFirst and our recently improved EvenMore experience, we want to make sure customers can easily find the JetBlue experiences they…
This Quick, Easy Routine May Lower Stress In Minutes, Study Finds This Quick, Easy Routine May Lower Stress In Minutes, Study Finds
This Quick, Easy Routine May Lower Stress In Minutes, Study Finds A simple change of scenery may offer a surprisingly fast reset when the day starts feeling overwhelming. Ten quiet minutes in a restored forest while listening to recorded birdsong produced the lowest stress ratings and the most positive feelings in a study of 106 North Carolina State University students. The research was published in the journal Environmental Conservation and summarized by StudyFinds. Researchers tested four combinations of surroundings and sound. Participants visited a restored forest along a creek and a gray, built-up location outside the university’s student union. At…
This Common Kitchen Spice Shows Promise Against Cancer Cells In Early Study This Common Kitchen Spice Shows Promise Against Cancer Cells In Early Study
This Common Kitchen Spice Shows Promise Against Cancer Cells In Early Study An ingredient found in kitchens around the world is drawing scientific attention for what it did under tightly controlled laboratory conditions. Researchers tested five plant-derived compounds against mouse fibrosarcoma cells and normal rat muscle cells, according to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its yellow color, produced the most balanced combination of cancer-cell activity and preliminary safety, researchers found. Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its yellow color, produced the most balan…
Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Recall Of 19M Eggs Expands To These 17 States, Including NY Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Recall Of 19M Eggs Expands To These 17 States, Including NY
Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Recall Of 19M Eggs Expands To These 17 States, Including NY A food recall already measured in millions has taken on a more troubling dimension as illnesses appear far beyond its confirmed distribution zone. The US Food and Drug Administration says that 98 people across 17 states have been infected with an outbreak strain of Salmonella linked in part to recalled shell eggs. At least 26 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Cases have been identified in: Arizona California Colorado Georgia Illinois Louisiana Michigan Mississippi Missouri Nevada New Mexico New York North Carolina Oklahoma South Carolina Texas West Virginia …
Cookie Recall Hits Stores Across East Coast Over Labeling Failure Cookie Recall Hits Stores Across East Coast Over Labeling Failure
Cookie Recall Hits Stores Across East Coast Over Labeling Failure A sweet treat sold across a wide stretch of the East Coast is being pulled from shelves over a potentially life-threatening labeling failure. Lidl US said in an announcement posted by the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday, July 28, that it is recalling all units of Eridanous Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Truffle Coating and Apricot Filling. The 11.6 oz. boxes may contain undeclared wheat, soy, milk, and egg allergens. People with an allergy or sensitivity to any of those ingredients could suffer a serious or life-threatening reaction if they eat the cookies, the company warned. …
Gun Pulled During Long Island Domestic Dispute Leads To Seizure Of 20+ Firearms Gun Pulled During Long Island Domestic Dispute Leads To Seizure Of 20+ Firearms
Gun Pulled During Long Island Domestic Dispute Leads To Seizure Of 20+ Firearms A domestic dispute on Long Island ended with more than 20 firearms seized and a local man in custody, police announcedon  Wednesday, July 29. Westhampton Beach police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a home on Mill Road on Wednesday, July 29. Officers learned the dispute had started earlier that evening at a local business before continuing after the people involved returned home, according to the release. While officers were investigating, the complainant told police Alex Georgakakos, 49, of Westhampton Beach, pointed a long firearm at her, causing her to fear for h…
Second Man Charged In $74K Forged US Treasury Check Scheme At Nassau County Capital One Second Man Charged In $74K Forged US Treasury Check Scheme At Nassau County Capital One
Second Man Charged In $74K Forged US Treasury Check Scheme At Nassau County Capital One A second man has been charged in connection with a scheme that allegedly used a forged U.S. Treasury check to steal more than $74,000 from a Capital One bank in New York, police announced Wednesday, July 29. Laron McCravey, 40, of Freeport, is accused of acting in concert with Dwayne S. Campbell during the June 12, 2024 incident at the Capital One branch on West Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream, according to Nassau County Police.  Campbell, 40, of Springfield Gardens, allegedly deposited the fraudulent U.S. Treasury check at the bank, causing a loss exceeding $74,000, as Daily Voice pr…
Accused Killer LI Teen’s Baffling Mental Health Evals Lead To Third Exam Accused Killer LI Teen’s Baffling Mental Health Evals Lead To Third Exam
Accused Killer LI Teen’s Baffling Mental Health Evals Lead To Third Exam The Long Island teenager accused of killing his girlfriend in a botched murder-suicide is headed for a third mental health evaluation. Austin Lynch, 18, of Nesconset, was ruled competent to stand trial in one case and incompetent in another case, so Judge Anthony Senft ordered another test on Tuesday, July 28, News 12 Long Island reported. Lynch’s ex-girlfriend, Emily Finn, ended the high school couple's relationship during her first semester at SUNY Oneonta in the fall of 2025, and investigators described Lynch’s behavior in those months as obsessive and overbearing. But over Thanksgiving…
12-Year-Old Girls Targeted For Self Harm, Sexual Images By LI Man On Snapchat, Feds Say 12-Year-Old Girls Targeted For Self Harm, Sexual Images By LI Man On Snapchat, Feds Say
12-Year-Old Girls Targeted For Self Harm, Sexual Images By LI Man On Snapchat, Feds Say A Long Island college student forced two 12-year-old girls to send him nude pictures, instructed one girl to harm herself with a razor, and attempted to recruit more victims, authorities said. Jordy Contreras, 21, of Brentwood, was indicted Tuesday, July 28 and held in Nassau County jail, according to Newsday. Contreras used Snapchat to communicate with his pre-teen victims beginning in December 2025, federal investigators said. He promised to pay one victim, identified only as Jane Doe 1, over Roblox in exchange for nude images, according to charging documents. Additionally, Contreras ask…