Author: Breaking Local News Report

UTICA, N.Y. — On September 29, 2024, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Utica Police were dispatched to the 800 block of Edward Street following a reported robbery. The victim told officers that two juveniles had approached her while she was eating and requested her food. After she declined, she was pushed to the ground as she was leaving, and the juveniles forcibly stole her purse and other belongings. The victim was able to contact police and provide a description of the suspects. Officers canvassing the area soon spotted two individuals on Sunset Avenue matching the provided description. The suspects were also…

TRENTON, N.J. — A new bill introduced in the New Jersey Legislature seeks to create a “Reproductive Health Travel Advisory” to inform residents about the varying levels of access to reproductive healthcare services across the United States. The advisory, which will be established by the Department of State, aims to help pregnant individuals make informed decisions about traveling to states with different laws on reproductive health. The advisory will categorize states into a three-tiered system based on the availability of reproductive healthcare services, including abortion access, gestational duration bans, medication restrictions, and potential civil or criminal liabilities for patients and…

TRENTON, N.J. — A new bill introduced in the New Jersey Legislature seeks to provide tax relief for workers who earn income through tips. Dubbed the “No Taxes on Tops Bill,” the proposed legislation would allow individuals to deduct tip income from their gross income when filing state taxes. The bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Inganamort and Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia. If passed, it would allow workers in tip-based industries—such as hospitality, restaurants, and personal services—to exclude tip income from their taxable income, offering potential tax savings for many low- and middle-income earners. Supporters of the bill argue that workers…

TOMS RIVER, NJ—Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick says the township has a $9 million affordable housing fund that can be used to help shelter and care for the town’s homeless residents, but state law doesn’t allow him to use it for that reason. A trust fund funded through developers over the years is flush with cash, but if the township doesn’t use it soon, the state will take that money. Now, Rodrick is lobbying state officials to allow him to use that money to continue relocating homeless people from the town’s two homeless camps into housing. “These people should not…

TRENTON, N.J. — Assemblyman Paul Kanitra of Ocean County has introduced the “United Border Security Act,” a bill that would require the New Jersey National Guard to provide support to Arizona and Texas in response to the border crisis. The proposed legislation seeks to assist in securing the U.S.-Mexico border and addressing illegal incursions in those states. Kanitra emphasized that the bill aims to offer direct support to states heavily affected by illegal border crossings, despite New Jersey’s distance from the southern border. The measure would task the New Jersey National Guard with offering logistical and operational assistance to law…

TRENTON, N.J. — Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, who represents parts of Ocean County, has introduced legislation aimed at tightening the requirements for vote-by-mail and absentee ballots. The proposed law would require New Jersey voters to include a copy of their identification when submitting their ballots by mail. The bill is intended to strengthen voter verification and ensure the integrity of vote-by-mail processes. Voters would need to provide a photocopy of an approved form of identification, such as a driver’s license or other state-issued ID, along with their ballot. Kanitra stated that the measure aims to address concerns about voter fraud and…

Donald Trump Jr. took a sharp jab at the Biden-Harris administration’s sluggish response to Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the U.S. Southeast and left over 600,000 residents in North Carolina without power. In a biting tweet, Trump Jr. said, “Maybe if North Carolina identified as Ukraine, some of its incredible people would actually get some attention, resources, and much-needed funding for themselves in their time of need,” mocking the administration for prioritizing international aid over domestic disasters. Instead of visiting the hurricane-ravaged state, Harris traveled to California this weekend for a political fundraiser. She reportedly raised $55,0000 during that…

TRENTON, N.J. — In New Jersey, a new bill will make it easier for police and prosecutors to charge drivers who pass school buses illegally. Under the current law, either the bus driver or a witness must file charges against the offending driver. School bus drivers are reluctant because of the time they would need to spend in court as the plaintiff. Most people don’t have the time or resources to file a ticket on their own behalf. If a police officer doesn’t see the offense, it’s difficult for them to file the charges themselves. Under a new law, police…

FAIR HAVEN, NJ – A youth softball game in Fair Haven, New Jersey, took a terrifying turn when a large tree branch came crashing down on a dugout, narrowly avoiding a major disaster. The incident was captured on video by Garrett Van Alstyne, the coach of the Middletown team, who witnessed the entire event unfold. The unsettling footage, recorded at Community Center Fields, shows the branch breaking before plummeting onto the dugout where 10 and 11-year-old players were gathered. Tree falls on Fair Haven Little League dugout. #FairHavenNJ pic.twitter.com/DC90rfnc32— Ed Pomphrey (@EPomphrey) September 16, 2024 Van Alstyne described the scene…

TRENTON, N.J. — The Senate Transportation Committee has favorably reported an amended version of Senate Bill No. 3000, which would allow drivers with a Type S school bus certificate to operate certain school buses without needing a commercial driver license or additional endorsements typically required for larger school buses. Under the bill, a Type S school bus is defined as a vehicle with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, designed to seat no more than nine passengers, excluding the driver. These vehicles are used to transport children to and from schools and school-related activities. To be eligible for…