JAMES CITY COUNTY, VA—A serious collision on Interstate 64 resulted in the death of a Midlothian man and left a VDOT Safety Service Patrol driver with minor injuries. The accident occurred on Wednesday at 2:03 p.m. near Exit 247 eastbound.
A 2020 Ford F250, operated by the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Safety Service Patrol, was stopped in the deceleration lane to assist a disabled vehicle. The patrol vehicle had activated its lane closure indicators when a 1996 Toyota Camry, attempting to merge into the exit lane, collided with the Ford.
The driver of the Camry, 79-year-old Louis M. Manning from Midlothian, was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Manning was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident. The driver of the Ford, 22-year-old Jaquay M. Johnson of Norfolk, also sustained minor injuries and was wearing his seatbelt.
Virginia State Police are conducting an investigation into the crash circ*mstances.
Toms River Middle Schoolers Sing in “World’s Largest” Youth Choir
NEWARK, NJ—On the evening of June 6, 2024, the Prudential Center in Newark was filled with the harmonious voices of 5,000 young singers, including students from Intermediate East, at the American Young Voices Concert. Touted as the "largest children's choir concert in the world," this event saw the participation of students alongside internationally-renowned singers and instrumentalists.
The young talents of Intermediate East and their peers from various schools were the highlights of the evening, captivating thousands of audience members with their performances. The event not only showcased their vocal abilities but also offered them a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of a large-scale professional performance.
The concert provided an unforgettable experience for both the performers and the audience, highlighting the importance of music education and the impressive capabilities of these young singers.
Photos and video by TR Schools.
Most in New Jersey Don’t Want Phil Murphy’s Offshore Wind Farms
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Support for the development of offshore wind turbines in New Jersey has seen a significant decline, particularly in coastal areas, according to a recent poll by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University. While 50% of New Jersey residents still support the state’s initiative to build wind turbines off the coast to generate electricity, this number represents a 30 percentage point drop from 2019 when support was at 80%.
Residents of coastal communities show the steepest decline in support, with only 33% currently in favor compared to 77% four years ago. The main concerns cited include potential harm to marine life and the obstruction of ocean views.
The U.S. Interior Department approved the Ocean Wind 1 project last July, which includes the construction and operation of 98 wind turbines and up to three offshore substations.
That project came to a halt when the vendor bailed on New Jersey.
Following a decision by its Board of Directors, Ørsted ceased development of the Ocean Wind 1 and Ocean Wind 2 projects (1100MW project and 1148 MW projects). The projects have experienced significant impacts from macroeconomic factors, including high inflation, rising interest rates and supply chain constraints, particularly a vessel delay on Ocean Wind 1 that considerably impacted project timing.
Statewide, 72% of residents express concern about climate change, with 51% emphasizing the importance of state action to combat it. Yet, there are mixed feelings about the benefits of renewable energy such as wind power, with 52% believing it will improve the climate. However, less than half of the respondents think it will positively impact local job opportunities, energy costs, or the reliability of electricity. Additionally, 48% oppose tax breaks for companies building wind turbines.
Concerns about the impact of wind turbines on ocean views and marine life are notable, with 71% believing turbines will affect views and 68% concerned about impacts on marine life. Tourism impacts are also a concern, with 55% believing that turbines will affect shore tourism either a great deal or somewhat.
These findings highlight the complex balance between environmental initiatives and local economic and aesthetic concerns, particularly in regions directly impacted by such projects.
As Gas Car Ban Looms, Poll Shows Most in New Jersey Don’t Want to Buy an EV
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—A significant number of New Jersey residents are expressing concerns over the economic implications of the state's plan to phase out new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, a recent Rutgers-Eagleton Poll reveals. Despite recognizing the environmental and health benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), half of the state's populace does not support the Advanced Clean Car II (ACCII) program initiated by Governor Murphy last November.
The poll, conducted in December, showed that while 58% of respondents believe the policy will improve the state’s air quality and 51% foresee a positive impact on health, economic concerns are prominent. Thirty percent of New Jerseyans think the policy will benefit the state’s economy, whereas 44% view it as detrimental. Personal financial impacts are viewed even more negatively, with 47% anticipating a negative effect.
Ashley Koning, assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, noted that the division in opinion is largely influenced by partisanship and a general lack of information about the specifics of the policy and EV technology.
The mandate finds its strongest support among Democrats, with 68% in favor, and is particularly popular among younger residents, urban dwellers, and those with higher levels of education. In contrast, only 15% of Republicans support the mandate, with a substantial 80% opposing it.
The likelihood of purchasing an EV also varies widely, with 56% of residents stating they are not likely to consider buying one, primarily due to the high costs associated and concerns about charging logistics and infrastructure.
As New Jersey moves forward with its ambitious environmental goals, the state faces the challenge of balancing the benefits of cleaner air and healthier communities with the economic realities and perceptions of its residents.
Fatal Crash in Brick Claims Two Lives
BRICK, NJ—A tragic accident occurred in Brick on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of two passengers. The crash occurred just before 1 p.m. at Brick Boulevard and Chambers Bridge Road, as reported by Brick police.
The State Police have not disclosed the number of vehicles involved in the incident.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to contact Brick police officer David Thergesen at 732-262-1140 as investigations continue.
No further details have been released at this time.
Man Who Shot Two NYC Cops is Illegal Migrant With Ties to Venezuelan Gang
The NYPD has highlighted a potentially alarming detail about 19-year-old Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, who was arrested following the shooting of New York City cops Richard Yarusso and Christopher Abreu.
A report from the New York Post suggests that a tattoo on Castro Mata may link him to Venezuela's notorious Tren de Aragua gang, known for its violent activities.
Authorities report that Castro Mata entered the United States illegally last July near Eagle Pass, Texas, and had been residing in a migrant shelter in East Elmhurst, Queens. Although he has no prior arrests in New York City, Castro Mata is suspected of involvement in a series of robberies, utilizing motorized scooters as getaway vehicles.
He is also being housed by the city in migrant housing, according to sources.
The incident with the police occurred just before 1:45 a.m. on Monday in Queens' Elmhurst neighborhood. Officers from the 115th Precinct's public safety unit encountered Castro Mata driving a scooter the wrong way.
After being ordered to stop, Castro Mata fled on foot and opened fire on the officers, who returned fire. The suspect was subsequently apprehended and required surgery on his ankle due to injuries sustained during the encounter.
Both officers involved in the shooting have been treated and released from the hospital. The details surrounding Castro Mata's alleged gang affiliations and his criminal activities are still under investigation.
Judge Goes Long Again in Yankees Loss to Dodgers
NEW YORK, NY—The Los Angeles Dodgers took an 11-3 victory over the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday night. In a game that showcased the Dodgers' offensive prowess, they matched solid hitting with strategic play, leading to a well-deserved win in front of a crowd of 48,374.
The Dodgers took control from the outset, gradually building their score with strategic hits across several innings. They capitalized in the eighth with a four-run burst, followed by three more runs in the ninth, rounding off their total to 11 runs on 11 hits. Notably, Teoscar Hernández stood out by driving in six runs, including two home runs, contributing significantly to the team's performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGzmtZFwW1s
On the mound, Gavin Stone earned his seventh win of the season, improving his record to 7-2. He delivered a strong pitching performance, effectively stifling the Yankees' lineup throughout his time on the mound. The Dodgers' bullpen maintained the momentum, closing the game without giving up significant ground.
The Yankees struggled to find their rhythm. Despite a two-home run performance from Aaron Judge, the team couldn't capitalize on their 10 hits. Starting pitcher Nestor Cortes took the loss, dropping his season record to 3-5 after giving up multiple runs.
The Yankees' fielding also saw moments of difficulty, with a crucial error contributing to their struggles. Their inability to convert with runners in scoring positions was highlighted by a 0 for 7 performance, leaving potential runs stranded on base.
This game, lasting 3 hours and 17 minutes, was not just a win for the Dodgers but a statement of intent as they improved their record to 41-25, keeping pace in their division. Despite this setback, the Yankees remain in first place in the A.L. East.
