Drive-By Pellet Gun Shooting at Woodbridge Shopping Mall

TRENTON, NJ – Legislation aiming to ban the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers in New Jersey has successfully passed through the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. The bill, spearheaded by Committee Chair Senator Bob Smith of Middlesex/Somerset, targets both two-stroke and four-stroke engine blowers that operate on gasoline or a gasoline-oil blend.

Senator Smith described gas-powered leaf blowers as significant environmental and social nuisances due to their high pollutant emissions and disruptive noise levels. He highlighted the availability of quieter, safer, and more environmentally friendly electric alternatives. Studies cited by the bill indicate that the pollution from one hour of operation by a standard gas-powered leaf blower equals that of a car running for over eight hours.

The proposed legislation, designated as S-217, would phase out the sale of two-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers within two years post-enactment, and their use within four years. Restrictions on four-stroke blowers would follow the same timeline, with limited exceptions for municipal and seasonal peak use.

Violations of the new regulations would carry stiff penalties, with fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 per offense. The bill narrowly advanced with a 3-2 committee vote, reflecting a contentious debate over the future of lawn care equipment in the state.

TRENTON, NJ—New legislation has been introduced establishing two significant welfare programs aimed at supporting low-income residents in New Jersey. The bill introduces the State Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Program and the State WFNJ Diaper Benefit Program, allocating $2.5 million to aid these initiatives.

The State WFNJ Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Program will provide a monthly benefit of $14 to menstruating individuals aged 18 to 50 who are enrolled in WFNJ. Additionally, the State WFNJ Diaper Benefit Program is set to offer a monthly allowance of $30 per dependent child under 36 months to WFNJ participants.

Benefits under both programs will be distributed using the WFNJ electronic benefits card, aligning with the issuance dates of standard WFNJ benefits. Participants must utilize these funds specifically for purchasing menstrual hygiene products or diapers.

The bill also stipulates that any unused funds from the monthly benefits can be rolled over to the subsequent month. Menstrual hygiene products have been defined in the bill as tampons, menstrual cups, or sanitary napkins.

QUEENS, NY – Police are investigating a violent robbery that occurred on Friday at approximately 1:40 PM. Two armed men entered a residence at 126-10 89 Avenue, confronting two victims, ages 47 and 32. The assailants, brandishing firearms, robbed one victim of jewelry and shot the other in the left leg.

The suspects fled the scene in a white Acura TLX, heading north on 127 Street. The injured victim was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and is reported to be in stable condition. The second victim did not sustain physical injuries during the incident.

Authorities are actively searching for the two suspects. The first suspect is described as having a dark complexion, last seen wearing a gray zippered hoodie, black t-shirt, shorts, sneakers, a hat with a white design, and a black mask. The second suspect, also with a dark complexion, wore a black hoodie with white lettering, black sweatpants, black sneakers, and covered his face with a blue scarf and a surgical mask.

The investigation is ongoing as police seek any leads or information that could lead to the apprehension of the individuals responsible for this crime.

Elderly Woman Scammed in Bail Money Scheme

NEW YORK, NY – A distressing scam targeting an 87-year-old woman unfolded on Wednesday at noon, as she was deceived into handing over $16,900. The victim received a call from an impostor claiming to be an attorney, who falsely stated that her grandson had been arrested for DUI and required the sum for bail.

The scammer arranged to meet the elderly victim near Fifth Avenue and East 11 Street, where he collected the cash. Following the exchange, he fled on foot southbound on Fifth Avenue. The victim was not physically harmed during the encounter.

The suspect is described as a light-complexioned male, around 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 230 lbs, with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a green baseball hat, white t-shirt, black jeans, and sneakers that were either white or black.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or similar incidents to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Allegheny County, PA – The Allegheny County Police Department has arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with a homicide that occurred in Braddock Hills.

At 1:52 AM on June 7, County 9-1-1 received a report of a shooting in the parking lot of J Cats Bar. First responders arrived to find 24-year-old William Coffey suffering from gunshot wounds. Coffey was pronounced dead at the scene. Swissvale Police requested the Allegheny County Police Department’s Homicide Unit, and detectives began an investigation.

Through witness interviews and surveillance footage, detectives identified Abdullaah Francken of Washington, PA as the suspect in the shooting. Francken faces charges of criminal homicide, persons not to possess a firearm, and carrying a firearm without a license. On June 26, the Allegheny County Police, in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, apprehended Francken. He is currently held at the Allegheny County Jail pending preliminary arraignment.

North Beach, MD – On Wednesday, shortly after 9 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau responded to a shooting in the 9500 block of Sea Gull Court.

Upon arrival, deputies found an adult male victim with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Despite first aid efforts by deputies and EMS, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation revealed that witnesses saw two adult males involved in an altercation in the apartment complex parking lot, during which the suspect fired a shot, hitting the victim.

Calvert deputies quickly apprehended the suspect.