Could NJ become a 'stand your ground' state

Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Monday:

⬛ NJ earthquake aftershocks pass 140 with surprisingly big tremor

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TEWKSBURY — More than three weeks since New Jersey's April 5 earthquake, aftershocks continue to shake up the Garden State.

A 2.9 magnitude aftershock was confirmed in Hunterdon County on Saturday morning. It was felt around 9:49 a.m. around 4 miles southwest of Gladstone, according to the United States Geological Survey.

It's the second largest aftershock New Jersey has experienced this month. An aftershock of 3.7 magnitude was measured just minutes after the 4.8 magnitude tremor on April 5.

⬛ New poll reveals how common guns are in NJ homes

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Gun permits are on the rise in the Garden State, and a new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll shows that's coinciding with a rise in the number of homes equipped with at least one firearm.

In the poll of more than 1,600 New Jersey adults, 19% reported that they typically have one or more guns stored in or around their home. That's up 50% since the last time Rutgers polled the question prior to the pandemic.

⬛ $2,000 for making waves — NJ shore town steps up enforcement

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SEASIDE PARK — Borough officials say road flooding is getting out of hand and people are making it even worse by driving through floodwaters and creating a chain reaction.

Seaside Park has enhanced an ordinance on the books to better inform drivers that they may have to pay a hefty fine for traveling through flooded streets at an unsafe speed.

"The wave that's created curls up the block, and it goes up against people's landscaping, garage doors, entrance doors," Council President Marty Wilk, Jr. told New Jersey 101.5. "We have to listen to our residents with their complaints, which are absolutely warranted."

⬛ Suspect sought after stolen car pins 2 people at Newark, NJ bar

Cozy Corner in Newark (Google Maps/Facebook)

NEWARK — Police are trying to find a carjacker who crashed into a bar and pinned two bystanders against the building.

A suspect stole a car near South 12th Street and 15th Avenue in Newark just before midnight Saturday evening, according to Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé.

The carjacker made it less than two blocks before plowing into a bar at the corner of S. 12th St. and Orange Avenue.

⬛ Devastating fire quickly rips through Brick, NJ pizzeria

Fire at Cuzzins in Brick 4/27/24 (Facebook: Ocean County Fire/Cuzzins Pizza)

BRICK — A local pizzeria may be completely destroyed after a roaring three-alarm fire at a strip mall.

The fire along Herbertville Road in Brick was first seen shortly before 5 p.m., the Asbury Park Press reported. It took around two hours for firefighters to bring the fire under control.

By the time the flames were out, significant damage had been done to Cuzzin's pizzeria and two adjacent businesses.

Places in NJ where gun owners have sued to carry a legal gun

New Jersey passed its own law in December, trying to ban legal guns from “sensitive places.”

A federal judge found many of those spots to be legally protected on grounds of armed self-defense, noting in her opinion, “Crowded locations are not sensitive places."

As of June, a federal appeals court granted the state attorney general's request to keep part of the law that bars people from carrying handguns in “sensitive places” in effect.

The decision means handguns cannot be carried in places such as zoos, public parks, public libraries and museums, bars, and health care facilities.

The law bars handguns from being carried in those places as well as schools and child care facilities. The lower court's May injunction did not specify those locations, and the appeals court also didn't remove the prohibition in those places.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt & The Associated Press

NJ arrests, sentences linked to Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot

More than three years later, about 40 people from New Jersey or with NJ ties have been charged with involvement in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt/Dan Alexander

How much does parking cost at NJ fun spots?

It's great to spend time at New Jersey amusements and fun spots. Some places charge to both park and get into an attraction while others offer free parking. (information is as of April 22, 2024)

Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander

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New Jersey's First News with Eric Scott is the longest running news program in New Jersey. Eric Scott began hosting the program in 1991.

It airs live on New Jersey 101.5 each weekday morning from 5:30 - 6 a.m.

New Jersey's First News with Eric Scott is the winner of the prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast.

Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

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