Congestion pricing details revealed

Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Thursday:

⬛ NYC screws NJ commuters — Here's how much you will pay

Getty Images/Townsquare Media illustration

We now know how much New Jersey drivers will be charged to enter Manhattan below 60th street.

It's a lot.

Gov. Phil Murphy promises a lawsuit to try and stop it.

⬛ Younger than 18? NJ bill says you can't sign up for social media

Canva

There's a new push to protect New Jersey's youth from the potential dangers lurking on social media platforms.

But critics of the aggressive effort claim it steps on residents' rights and can be particularly harmful to certain demographics.

Newly introduced legislation from Assemblyman Herb Conaway, D-Burlington, tasks social media companies with ensuring that their users are at least 18 years old — whether they're already on the platform or are looking to create an account.

⬛ Car burglars are striking parking lots in NJ

(Parsippany Police via Facebook)

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Thieves tried to break into over two dozen cars parked outside hotels on Thanksgiving.

Parsippany police spokesman Remo D’Alessandro told News 12 there were 20 attempted or successful burglaries at vehicles at the Sheraton, four at the Hyatt House, and another four at the Holiday Inn and Suites.

Two BMWs were stolen from residences on Cherry Lane and Sedgewick Drive on Sunday, D’Alessandro said.

⬛ Romance scam by NJ pair likely led to victim's suicide, cops say

Piscataway residents Salma Abdalkareem, 27, and Chinagorom Onwumere, 34 (Washington County Sheriff's Office)

Two Piscataway residents have been charged in connection with an alleged romance scam that targeted a 74-year-old man.

Authorities learned about the malicious online activity after the victim had already taken his own life.

Chinagorom Onwumere, 34, and Salma Abdalkareem, 27, are each charged with extortion, financial exploitation of an elderly/vulnerable person, criminal impersonation, and theft over $60,000.

⬛ McDonald's is bringing back adult Happy Meals next month

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Just in time for the holidays, McDonald’s is bringing back adult Happy Meals.

Last year, the fast-food chain allowed adults to relive that childhood memory of opening a Happy Meal to see the surprises inside, with its Cactus Plant Flea Market Box.

The first-of-its-kind collaboration was made exclusively for McDonald’s fans. Inside the box was one of four collectible figurines made just for the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box: Grimace, the Hamburglar, Birdie, and Cactus Buddy.

A list of NJ malls where you can get photos with Santa for the 2023 holiday season

The annual New Jersey tradition is back for the 2023 holiday season, along with pet photos, special events, and exclusive sensory sessions.

More details and locations will be added as the holiday season progresses, so please check back often for updates. Malls are listed in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

Here's how NJ prices have changed: Now, 10, 20 years ago

From food items to popular clothing to entertainment outings — here's a roundup of what things cost in 2023, as compared to estimates from 2013 and 2003.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

Humorous Signs Return to New Jersey Highways

Humorous and sometimes snarky safety messages made their return to New Jersey highways during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti told Fox Philadelphia they've dialed back the snark in this year's messages to keep the Federal Highway Administration satisfied that they are not distracting.

Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander

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