Bergen County Store Sells Winning $127,453 Fast Play Jackpot Ticket

TRENTON, NJ—A $20 Mega Cashword Fast Play Progressive ticket purchased in Bergen County has won a lucky player $127,453. The winning ticket, which secured 100% of the progressive jackpot, was sold on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Legacy Deli & Convenience Store located at 240-A Paterson Ave., East Rutherford.

The New Jersey Lottery announced the win, congratulating the fortunate ticket holder and the store that sold the jackpot ticket. Lottery players are encouraged to check their tickets and visit the store for future purchases.

• Three Men Sentenced for Multi-State Crime Spree Ending in Louisiana

  LAKE CHARLES, LA – Three men involved in a crime spree across multiple states have been sentenced in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Each defendant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the defendants as follows:

  • Evan Aaron Ard, 22, of Hammond: 123 months in prison
  • Jaylon Deshon Brumfield, 25, of Lake Charles: 120 months in prison
  • Taurus Terrell Finley, 22, of Hammond: 131 months in prison

  Each defendant will also serve five years of supervised release following their prison terms.

  The three men were charged in connection with a string of robberies committed between April 14, 2022, and April 27, 2022, spanning from Madison, Louisiana, through Kentwood, Louisiana, McComb, Mississippi, Beaumont, Texas, and concluding in Vinton, Louisiana. They conspired to rob multiple businesses and individuals, including Bordertown Travel, using force, threats, and violence. They admitted to using firearms during the robbery of Bordertown Travel to coerce property from the cashier and also stole vehicles, firearms, and property from convenience stores, and robbed individuals at gunpoint.

  The crime spree ended after the robbery in Vinton, Louisiana, where the three attempted to flee in a stolen vehicle. Police deployed spikes, leading to a high-speed chase and subsequent foot pursuit, resulting in the arrest of Ard, Brumfield, and Finley.

  U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown commented on the impact of their actions: "These three defendants left many victims frightened and scarred by the threats of gun violence and robbery committed against them. They had no care of others’ property or life as they made their way across three states committing these robberies. Thanks to the cooperation of many state and local, as well as federal law enforcement agency partners, this crime spree came to an end without the loss of life. I commend the efforts of all those agencies involved in this investigation and we will continue to join together to keep these cold-hearted individuals off of our streets."

• 50-Year-Old Man Dies from Injuries in June Attack, Homicide Investigation Launched

  Bronx, NY — A 50-year-old male victim of an assault that occurred on Sunday, June 23, has died from his injuries, leading the Medical Examiner to classify the incident as a homicide.

  Police responded to Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital at approximately 5:00 p.m. for a report of an assault that took place earlier that day at around 7:30 a.m. at 4441 Furman Avenue in the 47 Precinct. The victim, identified as Mark Gocul of 4441 Furman Avenue, informed officers he had been punched multiple times in the face by an unknown male individual.

  Gocul was transported to the hospital by private means, suffering from swelling and bruising to the face. He succumbed to his injuries on July 6.

  No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

• New Jersey Split on Phil Murphy’s Offshore Wind Energy Agenda

  TRENTON, NJ— Governor Phil Murphy's ambitious plan to make New Jersey a leader in offshore wind energy has drawn increasing criticism from various quarters, including environmentalists, fishermen, and coastal communities. While the governor touts the initiative as a key component of the state’s clean energy future, opponents argue that the plan is fraught with economic, environmental, and social challenges that have not been adequately addressed.

  One major point of contention is the economic impact of offshore wind projects. Critics argue that the high costs associated with constructing and maintaining offshore wind farms will ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher energy bills. The upfront investment required for these projects is substantial, and opponents claim that the financial burden on taxpayers and ratepayers has not been fully disclosed. Additionally, the promised job creation benefits are viewed with skepticism, as the highly specialized nature of offshore wind construction may not provide sustainable, long-term employment for local workers.

  Environmental concerns also loom large in the debate. Some environmentalists warn that the rapid development of offshore wind farms could disrupt marine ecosystems. The construction and operation of wind turbines can have adverse effects on marine life, including fish and migratory birds. There are worries that underwater noise from construction activities could interfere with marine mammals’ communication and navigation, potentially leading to harmful consequences for species that are already vulnerable.

  Fishermen are particularly vocal in their opposition, arguing that the wind farms will encroach on vital fishing grounds, making it difficult to sustain their livelihoods. The presence of wind turbines and associated infrastructure can limit access to traditional fishing areas, disrupt fish habitats, and pose navigation hazards. Many in the fishing industry feel that their concerns have been marginalized in the rush to develop offshore wind, and they argue that the economic impact on their communities has been underestimated.

  Coastal communities are also expressing unease over the visual and environmental impact of offshore wind farms. Residents worry that the presence of large turbines visible from shore could detract from the natural beauty of the coastline, potentially affecting tourism and property values. There are also concerns about the long-term environmental impact of decommissioning these structures, which could leave behind remnants that affect the marine environment for decades.

  Moreover, the planning and approval process for offshore wind projects has faced criticism for lacking transparency and adequate public consultation. Many stakeholders feel that decisions are being made without sufficient input from local communities and that their voices are not being heard. This lack of engagement has fueled distrust and resistance to the governor’s plans.

  Governor Murphy's push for offshore wind energy, while aligned with broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, appears to be moving forward without fully addressing these multifaceted concerns. A more balanced approach that incorporates the economic, environmental, and social impacts is essential to garnering broader support and ensuring the long-term success of New Jersey’s clean energy transition.

  The pursuit of renewable energy is a laudable goal, the implementation of offshore wind projects in New Jersey requires more careful consideration and stakeholder engagement. Addressing the legitimate concerns of fishermen, environmentalists, coastal residents, and other affected parties is crucial to creating a sustainable and equitable path forward for the state’s energy future.