Heat Wave Finally Breaks: From The Newsroom

The heat has finally subsided across the Garden State.  Violent storms followed, but a drought is in full force in the Midwest.  What does it mean for us?

Thursday's Headlines

• Pop-up storms ravaged parts of New Jersey on Wednesday afternoon.  We have full coverage and you can upload your storm damage pictures.
• The dry conditions have caused one of the largest droughts on records in the Midwest.  It may affect your food costs.
• A bill is signed into law that would severely stiffen penalties for reckless driving while using a cell phone.
• Following her own son's drug overdose, a New Jersey mom is pleading for a bill to help curb drug-related deaths.
• Rumors swirled on Wednesday that Governor Christie would not be the VP candidate, but he would deliver the keynote speech at the Republican National Convention.
• A hearing today will discuss whether or not to begin the process of allowing casino gaming at the Meadowlands.
• Rutgers will hike tuition, which has students irate.
• George Zimmerman says he was not pursuing Trayvon Martin, before ultimately killing him.
• And always fun during the the morning news shift, the British Open teed off this morning in England...a really cool picture is below

Be the first to know.  Get breaking news and weather alerts right to your cell phone by texting "NEWS" to 89000.

Alan Kasper has you prepared for the upcoming weekend with his 5-day forecast.

Wednesday's poll asked if you planned to fight a red light camera ticket you received.  43% said absolutely, 6% no, 3% are considering it, and 48% who responded never received one.

TODAY'S POLL

VIDEO OF THE DAY