New Jersey residents missing in Israel

Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Wednesday:

⬛ Biden confirms Americans among hostages captured in Israel, condemns ‘sheer evil’ of Hamas militants

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday confirmed that U.S. citizens are among the hostages captured by Hamas in this weekend’s attack on Israel and he condemned the militant group for “sheer evil” for its shocking multipronged attack on Israel launched from the Gaza Strip that has killed hundreds of civilians, including at least 14 American citizens.

⬛ Will your Walgreens pharmacy in NJ close? Workers walk out

Walgreens Edison (Google Maps)

Months of pressure, burnout and extra work demands have apparently led to a walkout by pharmacy staff at some Walgreens store locations on Tuesday.

As first reported by CNN, pharmacists, technicians and support staff were planning the action through Wednesday, though the exact locations remained unclear.

⬛ These 9 NJ towns fall short on stopping big sick leave payouts

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Nine towns throughout New Jersey have not done enough to avoid hemorrhaging money when paying out public employees for unused sick leave, according to the Office of the State Comptroller.

Under expanded reform laws in 2010, retiring local public workers for municipalities can collect a one-time lump sum payout for unused sick leave. The cap is $15,000 and the payouts cannot be given to workers if they resign or change jobs.

⬛ More than 100 bears killed on day one of NJ hunt

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As New Jersey's controversial black bear hunt enters day two today, hunters have already killed 105 bruins.

The one-day tally nearly eclipses the total number of bears killed by hunters during a six-day hunt in 2022.

According to the New Jersey Department of environmental protection, the highest number of kills came in Sussex (45) and Warren (37) counties.

⬛ Why does New Jersey hate Chris Christie?

Gov. Christie waves after being introduced at the GOP presidential debate in Milwaukee 8/24/23 (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

The reaction to New Jersey 101.5 host Bill Spadea's conversation with former Gov. Chris Christie was one of bitterness and anger.

The calls and comments after the Republican's appearance on Monday voiced disappointment in Spadea for having Christie on for a conversation that seemingly ended several years of animosity between the two.

"If you’re from Jersey, then you know from past experience that he is two-faced," one Facebook commenter said about Christie.

30 'poorest' neighborhoods in NJ

These ZIP codes in New Jersey have the highest percentage of households earning less than $25,000 in annual median income. The figures are based on 5-year data by the U.S. Census American Community Survey as of 2021.

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5

30 neighborhoods in NJ where richest families live

These ZIP codes in New Jersey have the highest percentage of households earning more than $200,000 in annual income, meaning these are the neighborhoods were the wealthiest families are most likely to live. The figures are based on 5-year data by the U.S. Census American Community Survey as of 2021.

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5