Menendez trial date set

Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Tuesday:

⬛ Police bust illegal NJ marijuana business, arresting man and mom

Scott Carlino Toms River (Google Maps, Ocean County Sheriff's Office)

“EarthE CBD” came under investigation starting in May, by a multi-level force involving municipal, county and state law enforcement, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said.

The shop is located at 298 West Water St. in Toms River, according to a business Facebook page.

⬛ Massive recall of popular vehicles in NJ

Hyundai/Kia/Townsquare Media illustration

Millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been recalled due to the risk of fire.

Owners are being told to park the vehicles outside and away from buildings until repairs can be made.

⬛ Wind power project in NJ would be among farthest off East Coast, company says

Nicholas Doherty via Unsplash

SEASIDE HEIGHTS — A proposed wind energy project off New Jersey would be among the farthest from land on the East Coast, the New York-based development company said Monday.

Attentive Energy released new information on the project, which will be 42 miles (67 kilometers) off Seaside Heights and provide enough energy to power 600,000 homes. State regulators did not identify the company when bids were received in August — one of four received as the state pushes to become the East Coast hub of the nascent offshore wind industry.

⬛ Judge plans May trial for US Sen. Bob Menendez in bribery case

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — A judge is planning a spring trial for U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife, who are accused of accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen who sought the senator's help and influence over foreign affairs.

The tentative trial date of May 6 would come just one month before New Jersey's June 4 primary, meaning it could still be underway when voters start casting ballots on whether to return Menendez to the Senate.

⬛ Smarties, made in NJ, makes sweet offer: Free candy for one year

Baskets of Smarties (smarties via X)

The famous fruity candy wafer company is celebrating the birthday of its founder and giving away enough sugar to last a full calendar year.

Smarties, founded in New Jersey in 1949, is doing a giveaway through social media.

It's to celebrate the birthday of Edward Dee — the man who moved from London to New Jersey with his family in 1949 and opened the first Smarties factory in Bloomfield the same year. Back then, the company was called Ce De Candy, Inc.

UPDATE 2023: All the NJ stores that sell legal weed

The number of recreational cannabis dispensaries continues to grow, since the first NJ adult use marijuana sales in April 2022.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt, Eric Scott

Photos: Masked Rockers With + Without Their Masks

Have you ever wondered what your favorite masked rock star looks like out of costume? Whether it's makeup, prosthetics or full head coverings, several rock and metal artists employ masks that obscure their true identity. Well, here is a revealing list of several rock stars who wear masks or face-obscuring makeup onstage — with one photo showing them masked, and another pic without their getup.

Gallery Credit: Philip Trapp

25 Country Songs to Add to Your Tailgating Playlist, Ranked

Whether you're gathering with fellow fans for Sunday's big game, or settling in under those Friday night lights, these are the country songs you'll want on your tailgating playlist.

Gallery Credit: Amy McCarthy

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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.

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