Horrifying child abuse reported in Cape May County, NJ

Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Thursday:

⬛ Dozens of NJ businesses fined for credit card surcharges

Getty Images/Fuse

NJ businesses are allowed to impose a surcharge for paying with a credit card, but they have to tell you before they charge you.

Dozens of restaurants and other businesses face stiff fines for not disclosing the fees.

More than a dozen other businesses have been fined to refusing to accept cash payments.

⬛ Threats against NJ synagogues may have come from outside U.S.

Congregation Etz Chaim (Google Maps/Canva)

MONROE (Middlesex) — Bomb threats targeting at least two houses of worship in New Jersey and nearly two hundred more throughout the country may have come from overseas, according to a published report.

The Congregation Etz Chaim Jewish Center in Monroe Township in Middlesex County and a house of worship in Hopewell Township in Mercer County both received bomb threats Sunday morning. Police declined to identify the building in Hopewell Township, citing the safety of the facility, though the FBI Newark office confirmed to New Jersey 101.5 that it was a synagogue.

⬛ NJ adults charged with abusing five children

Canva

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — Three adults were charged in connection with the alleged physical and mental abuse of five children between the ages of nine and 15.

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said Irene Becica, 71, Thomas Becica, 57, and Christina VonColln, 45, were arrested at their home on Goshen Road in Middle Township on Dec. 8 with the assistance of the Cape May Regional SWAT team. All are family members, according to the prosecutor's office.

⬛ Eric Scott's amazing steak crostini for Christmas

Eric Scott/Townsquare Media illustration

This is one of my all-time favorite recipes to serve at a party. They can even be made ahead to save time, and they travel well.

Tender steak and roasted garlic are the key to this recipe's success.

⬛ NJ police search for suspects who destroyed home light displays

Harrison Township Police Department Facebook page

HARRISON — Township police are looking for the Grinch or Grinches who vandalized five holiday light displays Thursday.

According to the police department’s Facebook page, the multiple criminal mischief incidents to the Christmas decorations occurred between 8:40 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on Dec. 14 in four developments: Brookside Farms, Tesoro Estates, Tesoro Court, and the Ravine at Brookside.

50 of the best holiday lights displays in New Jersey

It's the most wonderful time of the year! We love seeing our neighborhoods light up for the holidays, which is why we invited our listeners to submit a photo of their holiday display for a chance to win $1,000. If you submitted a photo and don't see it here, DON'T WORRY! You're still in the running for the grand pize. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5

Christmas snow - When it's happened, and the 2023 odds for NJ

Fun weather facts from Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow, using data from the New Brunswick weather station (Plus trends for this year will also be included and fine-tuned as we get closer to the big Christmas holiday).

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant